Buddy's progress this year
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AdaSooner
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What CoachTalk said. Buddy's work ethic and dedication to excellence left no doubt in my mind that his game would improve.
I couldn't be happier that he made the decision to come back for his senior season. He is and will always be one of my favorite players!
I couldn't be happier that he made the decision to come back for his senior season. He is and will always be one of my favorite players!
First time I can remember a notable decision to come back for a senior year that a guy has REALLY gotten better. Is Buddy big enough to get a guy like Roberson's minutes on the Thunder? Not really implying they would take him, just comparing the two skill sets. Buddy could really be an upgrade offensively...just don't know if he has the defensive versatility...although I don't really think Roberson is the defender he's made out to be.
MercedeSooner
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I knew he'd improve but I didn't think he's be this confidant in his dribble drives and handling. What a player and it's a treat to see someone like him @ OU.
hoopsaustin
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His shooting has taken another step up. His dribbling looked like it has marginally improved but this last game his dribbling was REALLY impressive.. i hope that sticks
bearcreekfan
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As a matter of fact, he is...16.7% on 2pt jumpers according to hoop-math.com
That was really the only flaw pointed out in this ESPN article from a few days ago about the Top 10 Players who should take the last shot.
Per that article, Held is their #3 choice with the following perspective - "The Oklahoma standout is averaging 22.1 PPG. Now, he's been streaky as a jump-shooter (only connected on 15.4 percent of his jump shots, per hoop-math.com) -- the constant knock against the pro prospect. But he also has a 50 percent clip from beyond the arc and if he gets fouled, you're sending a 90 percent free throw shooter to the line."
So far this season, Held is statistically better compared to last season in overall FG%, FT%, 3pt FG%, and PPG (among other categories). However, his 2pt FG% is roughly half what it was last year.
2016 OU stats
2015 OU stats
I think that stat probably matters more to NBA scouts, but I definitely like this season's version of Held, especially his ability to get to and finish at the rim.
I never questioned Buddy's work ethic or dedication, but I honestly didn't expect to see all that much improvement over the season he had last year. He was Big XII Player of the Year last year, for crying out loud. How does anyone improve on THAT? Well, it appears Buddy has provided the blueprint.
Hopefull that 16.7 improves, pretty sure it was better last year, though I am at work and can't really pull the website up on my phone. I think his commitment to driving to the basket has led to indecisiveness in his midrange game. Reactionary and always off balance. Just an observation of the trade off, which i prefer the drives so i guess the point is moot. Just something else for him to continue to work on and improve. I don't like how early in the shot clock that Cousins takes his jumpers sometimes, but he does seem to always jump straight up with his shot. One of those no, no, no... yes moments he has throughout the game.
runner1182
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Seems like Buddy is more calm and when shot is not falling he isn't forcing the issue or taking bad shots. So by getting the dribble drive going is opening up so many things for this team. Love Buddy's work ethic
okienole3
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Roberson is an elite defender. Plus, he's a legit 6'7". Apples and oranges.
Max Power
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College Basketball also benefits if they chose to market him as the star he is that also does things the right way
If you believe Roberson is an elite defender, then sure. I tend to think he's not. With that in mind, does an NBA team with what amounts to a 6'9" SG really need a 6'7" liability on the court? It's just a question about where Buddy might fit in. I'm not sure he's a starting SG, but as a guy who's a willing/talented defender, could he fit into a team like the Thunder where he's actually capable of hitting a shot
Soonerlover12
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Not a thunder fan, but from what ive seen, Robersons defense isn't good enough to offset how terrible his offense is. he is a b+ defender wth d- defense. at that level I see buddy as a b offensive guy with c+ defense because he is a hard worker. id rather have buddy
The good thing about not having a midrange jumper is that most analytically driven teams dont' want their guards shooting midrange jumpers. Buddy is a really good three point shooter and a vastly improved slasher and distributor. He's a little undersized, but not dramatically so. This isn't a particularly great draft class, and I think Buddy has worked himself into a late first round pick.
