Portland, Ore. ? Darnell Valentine hopes Kansas University fares better today than the last time the Jayhawks played a men’s basketball game in Oregon.

Nearly a quarter of a century ago – March 11, 1978, to be exact – the Valentine-led Jayhawks fell to UCLA, 83-76, in a first-round NCAA Tournament regional game at McArthur Court in Eugene, Ore.

“We definitely have some demons to (exorcise),” said Valentine, the starting point guard on that KU team. “It’s our turn this time.”

The 43-year-old Valentine was born and raised in Wichita, but now lives with his wife, Cindy, and their 13-year-old daughter, Tierra, in the Portland suburb of Tigard.

The former Portland Trail Blazers guard now works out of his home as a regional representative for the NBA Players Assn. Though he travels a lot, he’ll be in Portland’s Rose Garden today for KU’s clash against Oregon.

Tipoff is 2:30 p.m. CST with a live telecast on CBS (channels 5 and 13).

“Last year when we played the Ducks in the regional it was me against the city,” Valentine said. “I didn’t hide the fact I was a Jayhawker. Every day during the NCAA Tournament I’d wear some T-shirt Roy (Williams, KU coach) has given me over the years. I’d change it and wear a different one the next game.”

Valentine wore one of those T-shirts last March 24 when the Jayhawks pasted Oregon, 104-86, in the Midwest Regional finals in Madison, Wis.

That victory ended the Ducks’ season and propelled KU into the Final Four. The Ducks will seek revenge today.

“It should be rowdy, but we’ll have some Jayhawks there cheering, too,” Valentine said. “I always like KU’s chances. I have a lot of respect for coach Williams.”

Valentine doesn’t return to Kansas often, but he made a special trip back to Lawrence to address the Jayhawks a couple of seasons ago.

Kansas' Darnell Valentine (14) shoots against Missouri.

“Coach Williams had me talk to the young guys about the NBA and what it’s like,” Valentine said. “A lot of young guys who come into the league don’t have the vision and foundation. We talk to them and make sure they are somewhat prepared for what they’ll be facing.”

He hates to venture too far from Portland.

“We love it here. What can’t you do here?” Valentine said. “The outdoors life is some of the best in America, whether you like fishing, mountains : people here are very environmental. If you are out there and have a long beard, you’ll fit right in,” he quipped.

Portland natives love the outdoors, but also an indoor sport – basketball.

“This is Duck country and (Oregon State) Beaver country just like in Kansas it’s Jayhawk and Wildcat country,” Valentine said. “They are taking basketball seriously now. People appreciate good basketball.”

Thanks to his daughter, Valentine appreciates another indoor sport – gymnastics.

“She is a level 9 gymnast,” Valentine said, noting level 10 might put her in contention to make the national team. “She is a little too petite for basketball. We’re very proud of her.”

It’s been said the Rose Garden, which seats 18,927, won’t be as intimidating a place for KU to play as 9,087-seat McArthur Court on the Ducks’ campus in Eugene. Oregon has won 20 straight at Mac Court.

“It’s all relative. Loud is loud,” Valentine said of the Garden. “It’s not as intimidating as McArthur Court. Maybe Oregon won’t have the same comfort level in the Rose Garden as where they practice and play most of their games. But you will not keep their fans out of the building. That’s why I say it will be an entertaining game.”