Akolda Manyang

[okienole3]

Does he look better than Arent, Bennett and Orlando Allen?

That's doing Bennett a huge disservice lumping him in with those two.

 

[Seymore Cox]

Call me crazy, but I like everything you said about Manyang. He's long and super athletic. He runs the floor well, has a high motor that never stops, blocks and goes after shots like they're an invasion on his territory.

If he led the team in scoring with 15 points, on 7 of 8 shooting from the field, and the team didn't run any plays for him, that makes it even better. His 11 rebounds, 6 blocks, an assist and a steal were a bonus.

Everything else you described can be fixed or improved with a lot of work on his part and good coaching. I'm more excited about seeing him in an OU uniform than ever now!

Great report, Seymore!

He definitely looks the part athletically. If he's not going to beat out McNease, he should redshirt.

 

[thewez]

I'd rather him play than redshirt if he's going to be able to contribute any more than Bennett is now. We need depth inside. I think Lattin will get better, and Jamuni will be good, but they will both still be pretty young. Tough to count on them.
Our only other big man would be Spangler. Unless anyone expects CJ Cole to get any significant time.
I'd like having 3 guys to rotate next to Ryan.

 

[AdaSooner]

I'd rather him play than redshirt if he's going to be able to contribute any more than Bennett is now. We need depth inside. I think Lattin will get better, and Jamuni will be good, but they will both still be pretty young. Tough to count on them.
Our only other big man would be Spangler. Unless anyone expects CJ Cole to get any significant time.
I'd like having 3 guys to rotate next to Ryan.

Manyang will play next year. Even if he doesn't start, he'll be the first big off of the bench. As much as I like Jamuni and believe he has a great future at OU, I don't see him giving us more than 8 to 12 minutes off of the bench. That leaves zero other post players, unless you want to count Buford who will likely play the four on occasion depending on the match ups.

 

[usedtobe1]

If Buddy comes back I bet Buford gets most of his minutes at the 4. It may happen even if Buddy leaves. Buford needs to prove he can guard wing players out on the perimeter. JMHO

 

[Max Power]

Manyang will play next year. Even if he doesn't start, he'll be the first big off of the bench. As much as I like Jamuni and believe he has a great future at OU, I don't see him giving us more than 8 to 12 minutes off of the bench. That leaves zero other post players, unless you want to count Buford who will likely play the four on occasion depending on the match ups.

We need Jamuni to be able to give us a little more than DJ does this year. We need Spangler to improve, Lattin to improve, and Manyang as a JR to give us what Lattin did as a freshman if we want to get over the hump next year (as in win the conference)

 

[AdaSooner]

If Buddy comes back I bet Buford gets most of his minutes at the 4. It may happen even if Buddy leaves. Buford needs to prove he can guard wing players out on the perimeter. JMHO

Could be. WTSooner has been saying that all along. I have been on the opposite side of the debate. I read when Buford signed with OU that he was being brought in to play the wing. That's what LK, Dante and his high school coach at least implied.

I have never said Dante wouldn't swing to the four. I think that's not only possible but likely. But, one thing I have learned about Lon Kruger. He's a man of his word. If he tells a kid he can play the three, he'll get his chance. Isaiah Cousins came to OU with a promise that he would get a shot at the point. Lon kept his promise. It just didn't work out the way they had hoped.

 

[Max Power]

Could be. WTSooner has been saying that all along. I have been on the opposite side of the debate. I read when Buford signed with OU that he was being brought in to play the wing. That's what LK, Dante and his high school coach at least implied.

I have never said Dante wouldn't swing to the four. I think that's not only possible but likely. But, one thing I have learned about Lon Kruger. He's a man of his word. If he tells a kid he can play the three, he'll get his chance. Isaiah Cousins came to OU with a promise that he would get a shot at the point. Lon kept his promise. It just didn't work out the way they had hoped.

I think some spot minutes in a pinch as a stretch 4 will be needed at some point just due to foul trouble, injuries, and off nights. I wouldn't be surprised if at the end of games he is out there as an extra shooter if we are down or up and in a free throw situation. His versatility will be a big asset IMO

 

[WTSooner]

I want to know if he is anything comparable to McKay from ISU.

If that is your expectation for next year, I fear you will be disappointed.

If he is raw, a 50% FT shooter, and has limited basketball IQ, there is no way he is starting next year. He'll be a big off the bench that can come in and block some shots. I'd be shocked if he were any more than that next year.

 

[campbest]

If he can't beat out McNeace, then he shouldn't be coming to OU. With that said, he should easily do that.

 

[Zimwillett]

Given his improvement over the course of this year, I'm confident that Lattin will step into a starting role just fine. It's obviously going to be more post by committee next year, but I think some combination of Lattin, Manyang, McNease and probably even Buford will adequately fill the void when Thomas graduates.

 

[garyeb2]

If he can't beat out McNeace, then he shouldn't be coming to OU. With that said, he should easily do that.

Nailed it.

 

[TINY]

Huge news!

"Mama, There goes that MANyang!"

 

[Stikboy]

The more I read about Manyang and McNease on this board, the lower I set my expectations for next year. Quite the range of opinions on Manyang.. I remember a post stating "one and done" awhile back and now "chicken with his head cut off". And there are those on here that are sure McNease isn't close to contributing that much. We all know what Spangler brings to the table. Lattin has improved a lot over the course of the year but as of right now brings next to no offense to the table. So, color me really concerned about our inside scoring next year. I realize all these guys will improve, but from reading the opinions of McNease and Manyang on this board, and seeing what we have coming back it appears our eggs may be in the praying Lattin develops some inside scoring moves basket. I know we have guards that can score, esp if Buddy stays, but OU needs inside scoring, as we know, to get to the next level... Looks like our staff has their work cut out for them!

 

[152219]

If that is your expectation for next year, I fear you will be disappointed.

If he is raw, a 50% FT shooter, and has limited basketball IQ, there is no way he is starting next year. He'll be a big off the bench that can come in and block some shots. I'd be shocked if he were any more than that next year.

My expectation....no?

I haven't see the guy play, so I have virtually no opinion on him.