Austin Grandstaff

[rickjames]

Had a great visit to Florida this weekend. Was "Blown Away". Looks like we are going to lose another elite guard. First Nairn, now Grandstaff.

 

[JBaker]

Don't think he was ever ours to lose.

Also, basically the same things kids say after any first visit to a place.

 

[WTSooner]

We'll see. Still think distance will be a factor when it's all said and done.

 

[AdaSooner]

Grandstaff didn't use the words "blown away" to describe his visit to OU, but he left no doubt that he and the members of his family who made the trip with him thoroughly enjoyed themselves. He also talked about his relationship with OU's coaches, the players on the team and the short drive from Rockwell to Norman.

I have no idea if any of those things will win him over in the end? It's going to be tough to lure a high-profile player like Austin away from the prestige and pageantry of playing at a school like Florida where the fan support is known to be better than at OU. All we can hope for is that his desire to be closer to home and family will trump all of that.

 

[RoninDenton]

Grandstaff didn't use the words "blown away" to describe his visit to OU, but he left no doubt that he and the members of his family who made the trip with him thoroughly enjoyed themselves. He also talked about his relationship with OU's coaches, the players on the team and the short drive from Rockwell to Norman.

I have no idea if any of those things will win him over in the end? It's going to be tough to lure a high-profile player like Austin away from the prestige and pageantry of playing at a school like Florida where the fan support is known to be better than at OU. All we can hope for is that his desire to be closer to home and family will trump all of that.

I feel Florida's national championship run is this year because their team is built around four seniors our team will be better in 2015 because our three guards and Spangler will be seniors and if he wants to have a chance to win a national championship he will choose the Sooners.

 

[DenverSooner]

I feel Florida's national championship run is this year because their team is built around four seniors our team will be better in 2015 because our three guards and Spangler will be seniors and if he wants to have a chance to win a national championship he will choose the Sooners.

Yep. So the question is does Grandstaff have the intellect to see this? Most kids don't but I think this kid will. I am not saying he will pick OU. I am simply saying he will notice things like this and make an intelligent decision

 

[AdaSooner]

Yep. So the question is does Grandstaff have the intellect to see this? Most kids don't but I think this kid will. I am not saying he will pick OU. I am simply saying he will notice things like this and make an intelligent decision

Even if he doesn't his father will see it.

The question is will he see the fact that Florida is losing four starters after this season as an opportunity to start as a freshman? If he is as confident in his abilities as I believe him to be, the competition for a starting spot at OU will not be a problem. But you never know what kids will think or do when it's time to make a decision?

 

[MercedeSooner]

Oh well - kid can play but we can find near comparable talent.

 

[TINY]

Even if he doesn't his father will see it.

The question is will he see the fact that Florida is losing four starters after this season as an opportunity to start as a freshman? If he is as confident in his abilities as I believe him to be, the competition for a starting spot at OU will not be a problem. But you never know what kids will think or do when it's time to make a decision?

This was my first thought, as well, Ada.

 

[sperry]

Billy Donovan has proven that you'll be competing for titles if you go play for him. Doesn't really matter that they have 4 senior starters this year.

 

[bocabull]

I feel Florida's national championship run is this year because their team is built around four seniors our team will be better in 2015 because our three guards and Spangler will be seniors and if he wants to have a chance to win a national championship he will choose the Sooners.

The chances OU will be better than Florida are infinitesimal. Arguably their best player this season is the soph Frazier. They have two 5 star freshmen in Hill & Walker. Another 5 star & a couple more 4 stars coming in next year. A coach with 2 rings & the #1 team this season.

Florida is now a bonafide blue blood. As WT says distance is our only selling point vs the mighty Gators.

 

[jerry]

The chances OU will be better than Florida are infinitesimal. Arguably their best player this season is the soph Frazier. They have two 5 star freshmen in Hill & Walker. Another 5 star & a couple more 4 stars coming in next year. A coach with 2 rings & the #1 team this season.

Florida is now a bonafide blue blood. As WT says distance is our only selling point vs the mighty Gators.

Also, add that Donavan always gets a good transfer and is able to work them into the system well. Florida will always be good and in the hunt. Hopefully mom and dad will step in and say how much they want to watch their son in person. Gainesville is not easy to get too. Fly to Tampa than a 2 hour car ride.

 

[Big Old Booger]

Billy Donovan has proven that you'll be competing for titles if you go play for him. Doesn't really matter that they have 4 senior starters this year.

How many seasons did Florida not make the NCAA after their last NC? If I remember correctly it was 2 or 3.

So, Grandstaff could see that too and decide the OU program is built for more success while he would be playing.

And, if he didn't like being away at prep school, what makes anyone think he will want to be away for college? Family is important to him or he would have stayed at prep. IMO.

 

[Sooner-Bred]

Billy Donovan has proven that you'll be competing for titles if you go play for him. Doesn't really matter that they have 4 senior starters this year.

His back-to-back NIT's a couple years ago says otherwise.

 

[AdaSooner]

How many seasons did Florida not make the NCAA after their last NC? If I remember correctly it was 2 or 3.

So, Grandstaff could see that too and decide the OU program is built for more success while he would be playing.

And, if he didn't like being away at prep school, what makes anyone think he will want to be away for college? Family is important to him or he would have stayed at prep. IMO.

The answer is two (2008 and 2009). There were even rumblings back then about replacing him. The Gators made the tournament in 2010, but got beat in the first round.

Since that time they have gone to three straight elite eights, so I doubt if that will be a factor in Grandstaff's decision.

 

[WTSooner]

I also doubt Grandstaff's #1 criteria is going to be which school/roster is most likely to get me a NC. You don't hear that often as the reason for a kid picking a school. Location. Feel for the team. Style of play. Connection with the coaching staff. All that stuff matters.

He may end up at Florida. But I don't think it'll be for the reason that he thinks he can get a NC at Florida, and not OU.

 

[bocabull]

Why isn't Texas listed as a suitor? Are his horns pointing down or is Barnes not interested?

 

[CoachTalk]

Why isn't Texas listed as a suitor? Are his horns pointing down or is Barnes not interested?

They haven't been recruiting him at all until about a month ago.

If they'd been on him, it wouldn't even been a choice. He's been all UT growing up.

 

[Big Old Booger]

The answer is two (2008 and 2009). There were even rumblings back then about replacing him. The Gators made the tournament in 2010, but got beat in the first round.

Since that time they have gone to three straight elite eights, so I doubt if that will be a factor in Grandstaff's decision.

I don't think it will be a huge factor but was replying to sperry's post that the fact they have 4 seniors won't mean anything. I think it could because next year they will most likely be rebuilding just like they did in 08 after they lost a huge group of studs to the NBA and graduation.

Ultimately, the biggest factor, IMO, will be distance.

 

[slappy in OP]

Just because he had a good time at FL does not mean that he is a lost cause yet. Let's let it play out. I am sure that he and his family will make a decision that is best for him. That is all anyone could ask.