Beavers have Thanksgiving reservations at the White House
Brought to you by 
The Oregon State basketball team has become a fixture in the Washington and the White House area this time of year. In 2009, the team played George Washington University rooted on by President Obama. Two years later, he watched them play Towson University in Maryland.
The White House confirmed Wednesday that the Beaver basketball team and Coach Craig Robinson will visit the White House, the President and First Family on Wednesday and be treated to a "a private Thanksgiving lunch at the White House."
This year, there is no game as in 2009 and 2011. At least no official game. The president is an avid basketball player and routinely plays what are called aggressive games with accomplished players. And the White House has a very nice hoop court.
The White House confirmed the visit Wednesday afternoon. "On Wednesday, November 21, the First Family will be joined by the Oregon State men's basketball team for a Thanksgiving service day project in the Washington, D.C., area," a White House aide said. "The Oregon State men's basketball team will also attend a private Thanksgiving lunch at the White House before returning to Oregon."
While exclusive, the invitation isn't surprising. Obama loves basketball and there is one other bond that is even tighter — family. That's convenient because the Beavers are coached by Craig Robinson, who is Michelle Obama's brother.
Robinson campaigned for Obama and delivered a rousing speech to Oregon delegates at the Democratic National Convention.
It works in reverse, too. Michelle Obama gave the commencement speech to OSU's graduating class in June.
-- Charles Pope
Follow @CharlieInDC
