To fans of the Fox TV show "Bones," Eric Millegan will always be the character Zack Addy, the brilliant, socially-awkward forensic anthropologist who helped solve crimes for the FBI.
Millegan, who was raised in Oregon and graduated from Springfield High School, was a cast member on the show for the first three seasons before his character, in a major season-ending plot twist, was written off the show (although Millegan has returned for three guest spots).
Millegan also is a serious Trail Blazers fan who used to post regularly on this website under the name "The Fan" and on NBA.com. He even sang the national anthem at a Blazers game against Minnesota on Dec. 28, 2007 --- the 12th game of the team's 13-game winning streak.
Although he lives in New York, Millegan is back in Oregon this week to offer a one-night performance of his critically-acclaimed cabaret show Saturday at the Wildish Community Theater in Springfield.
We asked him about being a Blazers fan and his views on the current team.
Q: How long have you been a Blazers fan, and how did you become one?
A: "I became a fan in 1989. I would listen to the games on the radio, especially the ones against the Lakers. Even then, my favorite wins were against the Lakers.
"That season, we went to the Finals. When we tied the series against the Pistons in Game 2 thus taking home court advantage, my brother Jeffrey and I were already fantasizing about how many titles we would win in a row. When we lost the series, I was devastated. After blowing it in 1991 and 1992, I was hooked. I wanted to see the team win a title and my fandom became a parade of, wait until next years. I won't give up on this team."
Q: How often do you watch games these day?
A: "I watch every game and I usually go to about 10 of the games live."
Q: What do you consider the high point of your being a Blazers fan?
A: "Gosh, one of my favorite recent memories was the 13-game win streak in 2007-2008. We didn't even make the playoffs but that team was fun to watch. I went to 21 games live that year. I took trips all around the country. In total, I've seen the Blazers play in 24 different arenas.
"Oh wait, how could I forgot [Brandon] Roy's Game 4 heroics in 2011? That was amazing. I sat court side for that game and was crying my eyes out, it was so amazing."
Q: What do you think of the current state of the franchise?
A: "I like what [general manager Neil] Olshey has done in the last 10 days. We're so much deeper, we have a strong defensive presence in the middle in Robin Lopez, and I have a feeling [Damian] Lillard is going to become a superstar this season. I'm very optimistic."
Q: What do you think of the team's other off-season moves?
A: "Very excited about [Allen] Crabbe and [Dorell] Wright. Very hopeful about Thomas Robinson."
-- Mike Tokito
