The Hunt for the Most Interesting Team in the World is the Dagger's 2009-10 countdown preview series. Check out the overriding principles here.

Last year's record: 18-18, 7-11 Pac-10

2009-2010's toughest games: At Washington, at Cal, at UCLA

Primary attraction: Barack Obama's brother-in-law! Relax: just kidding. While fever over Craig Robinson's relation to the White House reached its high point in late 2008, Robinson was busy coaching his team to yet another very impressive campaign. Can Robinson's team take yet another step in 2009-10?

Three items of undeniable interest:

1. OK, fine: Barack Obama's brother-in-law. To the casual fan, or the co-political-sports junkie (I'm looking right at myself here) it might be moderately interesting that yes, Michelle Obama's brother is Craig Robinson, head coach of Oregon State University Beavers basketball. Most casual fans would be aware of this because the family hasn't exactly tried to hide the relation; Robinson introduced his sister in her 2008 Democratic Convention speech. But what's most interesting about Robinson since 2008 is his basketball acumen: In just two years, Robinson has taken a team that went 0-18 in the Pac-10 in 2005-06 to a combined 13 Pac-10 wins spread over two seasons. After last year's .500 year, the Beavers have a genuine chance to compete in the Pac-10. They're a long way from 0-18, and Robinson deserves much of the credit.

2. Hoe gaat het, Roeland? That's a hearty "how's it going" to 6-foot-11-inch OSU senior Roeland Schaftenaar, who you sort of have to watch to believe. It's not that the Dutch-born Schaftenaar is that unconventional; he looks and plays like plenty of European forwards you've seen before. But Schaftenaar has a unique skill: He's a passer. He led the Beavers in assists last season -- yes, a 6'11 center led OSU in assists -- with 120, and he averaged around 10 points per game to go along with it. Anyone with a thing for passing big men has to catch Schaftenaar. He's a good time. Or, as he might say, "een goede tijd."

3. The other Craig Robinson. Currently one of the more underrated comedic actors in showbusiness is also named Craig Robinson. It's a testament to how deep the cast of "The Office" is that Robinson only plays a bit part. This might not be all that interesting at first glance, but try watching an Oregon State game now without thinking (language alert at the following link) "Ooh, this is so exciting!"

Related: Pac-10 Basketball