Any counter thoughts on this move

[BigTime]

Lattin should be the first big off the bench ahead of DJ Bennett.

Small sample size so far but I can't think of any significant counter argument.

 

[AdaSooner]

No argument from me. Lattin is a clear choice over Bennett right now.

D. J. has been a big disappointment so far. Two points and two rebounds in the first two games is not even close to what I expected to see from a senior juco transfer. While Khadeem's numbers (4 points, 7 rebounds and 3 blocks) may not be earth shattering, he has already proven that he is the best option, at least to me.

Lattin's performance in the two exhibition games was even more impressive. He had 8 points, 21 rebounds and 3 blocks in two games. I think it's time to increase his minutes. If nothing else, he will improve faster with more playing time.

 

[jerry]

DJ should be the 9th guy in the rotation.

 

[BigTime]

DJ should be the 9th guy in the rotation.

He is a solid second big off the bench. He is a subpar 1st big off the bench.

 

[WTSooner]

Doesn't really matter who is first off the bench, but I agree he should be playing more than Bennett.

It's possible that LK is playing Bennett more/first right now to keep him engaged. We will need minutes from both in every game this season.

 

[BCSooners]

Lattin is the clear choice for me

 

[BigTime]

Doesn't really matter who is first off the bench, but I agree he should be playing more than Bennett.

It's possible that LK is playing Bennett more/first right now to keep him engaged. We will need minutes from both in every game this season.

To your first point, I was implying more minutes by the first one off the bench idea.

Interesting on your second point, and you might be right.

 

[runner1182]

I remember seeing Bennett on the europe trip and he was hitting open jumpers. He had one against CU that rattled out i believe. He is really not a bad backup.

 

[JBaker]

There really is no argument against this suggestion.

I remember seeing Bennett on the europe trip and he was hitting open jumpers. He had one against CU that rattled out i believe. He is really not a bad backup.

He is not a good backup.
We are in trouble if he has to play more than 10 mpg.

 

[garyeb2]

Bennett is worthless. Redshirting him was pointless. If Buford was eligible, he would be averaging the same amount of minutes as Casey Arent.

Buford and Bennett don't play the same position. Buford's redshirt has no impact on Bennett's minutes what so ever. Please try to resist the urge to argue with me on this point. You don't know what you are talking about.

Bennett was recruited to Oklahoma to be a roll player. Kruger told him he was being brought in to be a roll player and Bennett understood that. And I'm sure he will do fine in whatever roll he settles in to.

I think that it is good news that Lattin has gotten in the game and got good reviews.

 

[usedtobe1]

I see Lattin and Benett as comparable players. Bennett has more experience but Lattin has more upside. They are both primarily defensive players and that's where they will add value in resting Spangler and Thomas. I think LK will bring Lattin along gradually during December and he will probably get more minutes than Bennett in conference play.

They will both get their chances over the next month to separate themselves. I'm not going to jump to any conclusions after 2 games in November.

 

[MercedeSooner]

Lattin brings a ton of energy and my god actually tries to protect the rim - no question he needs to be in there first. When was the last time we even had a semblance of a shot blocker on our team.

 

[DenverSooner]

the only counter argument in my opinion is that Bennett plays more in control. Lattin goes for every board and occasionally knocks a board away from a teammate. Lattin also likes to shoot that 15+ shot from the top of the key but has not made it yet.

To me you are less likely to get a mistake from Bennett but also less likely to get production from Bennett. Perhaps late in a game, you might prefer Bennett simply due to experience.

With that said, I think Lattin is a going to be a good player. I love his energy and rebounding

 

[sheepdogs1]

It would be nice to have a sizeable lead in the game towards the end of play such that Lattin and Bennet could play at the same time and see how that fares.

 

[bocabull]

The good news is that the reason Lattin was not ranked higher was due to his strength. He's got a ways to go but is playing D-1 ball and making some noise right out of the gate. Bodes very well for the next couple years.

 

[Zimwillett]

You'll get no argument from me. Lattin is clearly the more dynamic player. He does look a little lost at times, but he makes up for it with tremendous athleticism. I say get Kadheem more minutes early in the season so he's more polished by conference play.

None of this is meant to demean DJ. He seems like a great "team" guy and I bet there will be at least a few games where he's called upon to eat up some important minutes due to foul trouble. However, based on what I've seen so far, that should be the extent of DJ's role.

 

[jaymOU]

I said this post Creighton - in a post here. It was obvious - just more athletic and more active. Bennett - despite being four years older than Lattin seems to play with so little confidence.

Cool comments about him on yesterday's broadcast about him creating the video intro! That's awesome and great they let him do it.

 

[Kewllane]

Bennett's hands are horrible. A lot like Kendrick Perkin's. Not to mention, there's no sound defense with him. He's always going for the block, which gives up countless offensive rebounds to the opposition. Not trying to beat a kid down, but he's just not the answer off the bench if we want to do something special this year.

 

[DenverSooner]

The good news is that the reason Lattin was not ranked higher was due to his strength. He's got a ways to go but is playing D-1 ball and making some noise right out of the gate. Bodes very well for the next couple years.

I thought his ranking dropped because he went to tat basketball academy in the azures or where ever it was.

 

[DenverSooner]

Bennett's hands are horrible. A lot like Kendrick Perkin's. Not to mention, there's no sound defense with him. He's always going for the block, which gives up countless offensive rebounds to the opposition. Not trying to beat a kid down, but he's just not the answer off the bench if we want to do something special this year.

I wish I was horrible like a long term veteran of the NBA.