Big man development

[outest]

If Kuar outdueled Kansas big man, we would win the game at Kansas. Lon is really good at developing guard but not good at developing bigs. His bigs played at an average level. For the past few years, do you see any bigs that stand out. He need to hire an assistant that can develop big man. It is only then OU can be at or near the top of the conference.

 

[NYC-Fool]

Doolittle was very good and so was Spangler. But none of the long project bigs that Lon seems to love have not panned out.

 

[skyvue]

I think Kuath, a two-star recruit out of high school, has developed quite nicely. I hope he comes back for another year.

 

[BoulderSooner]

I think Kuath, a two-star recruit out of high school, has developed quite nicely. I hope he comes back for another year.

This times 100.



Also that KU big man was a mcdaa. He was an elite recruit.

 

[AdaSooner]

Doolittle was very good and so was Spangler. But none of the long project bigs that Lon seems to love have not panned out.

Doolittle and Spangler were definitely on the level of the Big 12’s best bigs. I think Kur has the potential to be if he had more time. He has come a long way since last year when he looked lost sometimes. If he comes back next year (and I hope he will), I think he has a chance to be really good.

I agree with you that the majority of project bigs we’ve had in the last four or five years have been a disappointment. Lon was a guard, so I don’t expect him to relate to a big man’s game the way someone who played the position might do. Someone on the staff now (I’m betting it’s Molinari) seems to be doing a good job with Kur.

But one assistant coach is not enough to tutor the steady stream of big man projects we’ve seen in the last few years. Maybe one or more of our former players would be willing to get involved as volunteers if asked? Lon appears to have a good relationship with a number of them.

 

[Sooner Season]

I know easier said than done, but how about recruiting somebody who doesn't have to "develop" to even have a chance to step on the floor? The philosophy of recruiting project big men has failed miserably, the most recent examples being Merritt, Issanza and Garang. I know everybody wants and needs big men but there is no reason we can't get at least a contributor there.

 

[steverocks35]

I know easier said than done, but how about recruiting somebody who doesn't have to "develop" to even have a chance to step on the floor? The philosophy of recruiting project big men has failed miserably, the most recent examples being Merritt, Issanza and Garang. I know everybody wants and needs big men but there is no reason we can't get at least a contributor there.

Agreed, and if Kuath didn't have an NBA body he wouldn't be on the floor. He doesn't have any post moves and he still gets lost on D. Don't get me wrong, he's still a disruptor and he is developing a jumpshot. We need him out there. But it's not like he's able to catch the ball with his back to the basket and do anything with it.

 

[AdaSooner]

I know easier said than done, but how about recruiting somebody who doesn't have to "develop" to even have a chance to step on the floor? The philosophy of recruiting project big men has failed miserably, the most recent examples being Merritt, Issanza and Garang. I know everybody wants and needs big men but there is no reason we can't get at least a contributor there.

Don’t forget about another project disappointment, Hannas Polla.

But, to be fair, the jury is still out on Issanza and Garang. They’re both freshmen with plenty of time to develop their game. Garang at 6’ 9” 205 is reportedly a good shooter from the perimeter. Issanaza at 7’ 1” 245 has the size to really help us inside at some point.

I think we were all hoping to see them on the floor this season. Yet, in mentioning them on another thread, I didn’t mean to paint them with the same brush as Merritt and Polla. I’m still optimistic that they will develop into solid contributors before they’re through.

 

[daqman]

I know easier said than done, but how about recruiting somebody who doesn't have to "develop" to even have a chance to step on the floor? The philosophy of recruiting project big men has failed miserably, the most recent examples being Merritt, Issanza and Garang. I know everybody wants and needs big men but there is no reason we can't get at least a contributor there.

A "contributor" is about all Lon has had during his entire tenure with the one exception being possibly Spangler. But then again, he hasn't done much better at guard either. He's an extremely poor recruiter overall and the talent he does get, he doesn't develop it to the point of being able to compete for conference championships. Like someone else said, Buddy was 5 years ago and Trae didn't really do much for the program in the scheme of things.

 

[WichitaSooner]

One of the dumbest things is when posters say Lon is a garbage coach because he can’t recruit AND can’t develop players. If he sucks at both major roles of being a coach, how exactly do we end up having more consistent success than 90 percent of programs?

 

[Sooner Season]

Don’t forget about another project disappointment, Hannas Polla.

But, to be fair, the jury is still out on Issanza and Garang. They’re both freshmen with plenty of time to develop their game. Garang at 6’ 9” 205 is reportedly a good shooter from the perimeter. Issanaza at 7’ 1” 245 has the size to really help us inside at some point.

I think we were all hoping to see them on the floor this season. Yet, in mentioning them on another thread, I didn’t mean to paint them with the same brush as Merritt and Polla. I’m still optimistic that they will develop into solid contributors before they’re through.

Thanks for the Polla reminder......or maybe darn you for the Polla reminder!

I don't know enough about Garang or Issanza to say what they might become, I just know after a redshirt year in the program at a time (Saturday) when we needed someone to step up and just give us a few good minutes they couldn't help us at all. I will say his one or two minutes on the floor Saturday did nothing to make me think Issanza will be a player.

 

[CoachTalk]

I think youll see the International project big man come to an end. That was more of a Crutchfield thing.

Not saying they wont take a flyer on a freak athlete but I think it could be less than normal.

I tend to agree, give me regional 4 year hard nosed worker and take my chances.

 

[TINY]

One of the dumbest things is when posters say Lon is a garbage coach because he can’t recruit AND can’t develop players. If he sucks at both major roles of being a coach, how exactly do we end up having more consistent success than 90 percent of programs?

It’s due to the unparalleled fan support obviously.

 

[thewez]

Kur looked pretty good last night!

 

[BCSooners]

Kur looked pretty good last night!

Has improved tremendously from last year. Especially foot speed, better hedge to recovery, & being in the right position.