Bennett

[DenverSooner]

I really think he deserves some recognition. He has really played well the last few games. This is going to help OU a lot next year.

 

[Chaser728]

I really think he deserves some recognition. He has really played well the last few games. This is going to help OU a lot next year.

Yes! We need him to be good next year and it looks like the light is starting to come on! So glad he redshirted!

 

[tycat947]

He improved a lot over the course of the season and really made a difference in some key games.

 

[AdaSooner]

I'm pleased with Bennett's progress. All he needs is more playing time. If he develops a mid-range shot and the ability to score in the paint, he could contribute in a major way next season.

 

[SoonerEyeDoc]

He did some good things but OU got killed on the offensive boards in the 2nd half with Spangler on the bench. I understand it's a team effort but Spangler is the best rebounder in the league for a reason and it showed what can happen when he is not on the floor.

 

[DenverSooner]

I am certainly not advocating for Bennett to start over Spangler. I am simply complimenting on his progress this season. From my perspective is no one can play the role of Cam Clark next season, OU might be able to go big with both Bennett and Spangler in the starting lineup based on Bennett's improvement. I don't think I would have said that in November, December or January.

 

[big-hOUnd]

I don't think I've seen DJ & Spangler on the floor at the same time. I'd love to see that, but I know its a depth problem. Next years options for the bigs rotation will be greatly improved. Cannot wait!!!

 

[SoonerTraveler]

Bennett has indeed made good progress. I hope he is a gym rat this summer.

If one of the new guys becomes good enough to play center, allowing Spangler to play power forward, that would be fun to watch.

 

[NickZepp]

He has definitely been playing better with the more minutes he's gotten lately. I love Spangler but he's not the defender inside that Bennett has been. And our defense lately is playing so much better overall than it was the first of the season.

 

[originalsooner55]

He has definitely been playing better with the more minutes he's gotten lately. I love Spangler but he's not the defender inside that Bennett has been. And our defense lately is playing so much better overall than it was the first of the season.

Maybe I stand corrected, but hasnt Spangler held most of the Big Men we played this year, especially the ones that are suppose to be NBA bound, below their averages? Ex: Adrian Paul(Michigan State) and on and on. If that is not defending inside, Please let me know what your definition is for defending inside is. I will agree DJ has made leaps over this year, but if I had to pick a team, and I had to choose between Spangs and DJ for inside defender, I know who I would choose without hesitation.

 

[Max Power]

Maybe I stand corrected, but hasnt Spangler held most of the Big Men we played this year, especially the ones that are suppose to be NBA bound, below their averages? Ex: Adrian Paul(Michigan State) and on and on. If that is not defending inside, Please let me know what your definition is for defending inside is. I will agree DJ has made leaps over this year, but if I had to pick a team, and I had to choose between Spangs and DJ for inside defender, I know who I would choose without hesitation.

DJ is a better rim protector than Spangler, Spangler is a better on ball defender. That's why it made sense to make the switch against WVU. Their bigs, outside of Williams, were not doing anything offensively, but Staten was getting layup after layup

 

[jerry]

DJ is a better rim protector than Spangler, Spangler is a better on ball defender. That's why it made sense to make the switch against WVU. Their bigs, outside of Williams, were not doing anything offensively, but Staten was getting layup after layup

Spangler is a much better rebounder too. Bennett really needs to improve his rebounding.

 

[Max Power]

Spangler is a much better rebounder too. Bennett really needs to improve his rebounding.

Agree 100%, but there are no rebounds if a guy is making layups

 

[AdaSooner]

Maybe I stand corrected, but hasnt Spangler held most of the Big Men we played this year, especially the ones that are suppose to be NBA bound, below their averages? Ex: Adrian Paul(Michigan State) and on and on. If that is not defending inside, Please let me know what your definition is for defending inside is. I will agree DJ has made leaps over this year, but if I had to pick a team, and I had to choose between Spangs and DJ for inside defender, I know who I would choose without hesitation.

I doubt if anyone on this board would pick Bennett over Spangler on defense or offense. Bennett's greatest strength is his ability to block or change shots. He has blocked 4 less (25) than Spangler (29) this season in just over 9 minutes of playing time per game.

Still, his skills overall, especially on the offensive end and in rebounding, do not measure up to what Spangler brings to the floor. I think most posters are doing nothing more than giving him credit for the improvements he's made since early in the season. I know that's the case with me.

 

[jerry]

I doubt if anyone on this board would pick Bennett over Spangler on defense or offense. Bennett's greatest strength is his ability to block or change shots. He has blocked 4 less (25) than Spangler (29) this season in just over 9 minutes of playing time per game.

Still, his skills overall, especially on the offensive end and in rebounding, do not measure up to what Spangler brings to the floor. I think most posters are doing nothing more than giving him credit for the improvements he's made since early in the season. I know that's the case with me.

Well said. If he makes the same improvement over the spring, summer and fall before next year he can really help us against teams like Kansas who are bigger than we are.

 

[originalsooner55]

I doubt if anyone on this board would pick Bennett over Spangler on defense or offense. Bennett's greatest strength is his ability to block or change shots. He has blocked 4 less (25) than Spangler (29) this season in just over 9 minutes of playing time per game.

Still, his skills overall, especially on the offensive end and in rebounding, do not measure up to what Spangler brings to the floor. I think most posters are doing nothing more than giving him credit for the improvements he's made since early in the season. I know that's the case with me.

I believe I also gave DJ credit and think he has made tremendous improvements, I was merely stating that DJ is not quite the defender Ryan is overall.

 

[AdaSooner]

I believe I also gave DJ credit and think he has made tremendous improvements, I was merely stating that DJ is not quite the defender Ryan is overall.

My bad. Now that I've read your post again, I clearly misunderstood what you were saying. Fact is, we're on the same page with both players.

 

[originalsooner55]

My bad. Now that I've read your post again, I clearly misunderstood what you were saying. Fact is, we're on the same page with both players.

Yes we are and I give Kudos to the whole team and coaching staff this year, they have accomplished more than I thought.

 

[scrybe]

Forgive me if this has already been discussed/answered, but I don't believe Spangler played another minute after picking up his third foul about midway through the second half.

I don't remember Coach ever keeping Ryan on the bench for that long a stretch, especially in a close game and with just three fouls on Spangler.

Could Ryan have suffered some sort of injury, or did Kruger just want to see how well D.J. would respond with the game on the line? Would Spanger have gone back in if the situation had gotten more critical in the last six or eight minutes?

 

[DenverSooner]

Forgive me if this has already been discussed/answered, but I don't believe Spangler played another minute after picking up his third foul about midway through the second half.

I don't remember Coach ever keeping Ryan on the bench for that long a stretch, especially in a close game and with just three fouls on Spangler.

Could Ryan have suffered some sort of injury, or did Kruger just want to see how well D.J. would respond with the game on the line? Would Spanger have gone back in if the situation had gotten more critical in the last six or eight minutes?

I think he played well and there was no reason to put Spangler back in the game. I also think keeping Ryan's minutes down a little will make sure he is ready to go in the post season.