Christian James

[skyvue]

I thought he did a great job with the post-game interview today. I was very impressed by him. And to think, just a few days ago, some were insisting he was sure to create problems with his attitude.

I hope we've gotten the ragging-on-players out of our system. None of us knows what goes on behind the scenes with these young men and we don't really have a clue who they are as people. Facial expressions and the oft-cited "body language" simply aren't sufficient evidence to make negative judgments and assumptions about these guys.

 

[tycat947]

+1!!!

 

[coolm]

most definitely. he has done an outstanding job so far this season. he's really stepping up.

 

[stormspencer]

I thought he did a great job with the post-game interview today. I was very impressed by him. And to think, just a few days ago, some were insisting he was sure to create problems with his attitude.

I hope we've gotten the ragging-on-players out of our system. None of us knows what goes on behind the scenes with these young men and we don't really have a clue who they are as people. Facial expressions and the oft-cited "body language" simply aren't sufficient evidence to make negative judgments and assumptions about these guys.

I think you're onto something here. However, I think quite a few in our fanbase (as well as me to a degree) suffer from "battered fan syndrome".....because of what happened in the 16/17 season as well as the latter portion of last season. I really hope the CJ is reaching his potential because we can all see his talent.

As some mentioned in the game thread, I think this team is different this year. They play hard (much harder on defense) and they have experience.....which there is no substitute. I don't see a regression.....rather I see a good chance of continual improvement because of the depth and experience that we have. We will have some bad nights because our league is so difficult, but I really don't see this team cratering like last year.

 

[hoopsaustin]

I thought he did a great job with the post-game interview today. I was very impressed by him. And to think, just a few days ago, some were insisting he was sure to create problems with his attitude.

I hope we've gotten the ragging-on-players out of our system. None of us knows what goes on behind the scenes with these young men and we don't really have a clue who they are as people. Facial expressions and the oft-cited "body language" simply aren't sufficient evidence to make negative judgments and assumptions about these guys.

To be fully accurate i believe i know what post you're referring to and they were referencing past possible conflicts and i think gave no thoughts as to if it may rear its head this year. But point taken, he's looking like hes hitting it outta the park right now

 

[coolm]

... I think this team is different this year. They play hard (much harder on defense) and they have experience.....which there is no substitute. I don't see a regression.....rather I see a good chance of continual improvement because of the depth and experience that we have. We will have some bad nights because our league is so difficult, but I really don't see this team cratering like last year.

they've even been showing that in these first few games. when the opponent catches up or goes on their run these guys seem pretty cool and collected. A couple of times it was doolittle and RO who stepped up. No matter how well they succeed this year this change has been a welcome sight.

 

[skyvue]

To be fully accurate i believe i know what post you're referring to and they were referencing past possible conflicts and i think gave no thoughts as to if it may rear its head this year. But point taken, he's looking like hes hitting it outta the park right now

No, it was more than one post -- heck, there was one today that was a sort of backhanded dig. And I'm not talking primarily about his performance on the court (though it's been great), because these posts weren't primarily about that.

The posts judged him as a person, as a teammate, as a (hypothetical) negative impact on the team's collective attitude and chemistry. And that's the point I'm trying to make: We don't really know these guys, and jumping to any conclusions, without concrete evidence, about their personalities and their attitudes is unfair and does them a disservice.

 

[sheepdogs1]

No, it was more than one post -- heck, there was one today that was a sort of backhanded dig. And I'm not talking primarily about his performance on the court (though it's been great), because these posts weren't primarily about that.

The posts judged him as a person, as a teammate, as a (hypothetical) negative impact on the team's collective attitude and chemistry. And that's the point I'm trying to make: We don't really know these guys, and jumping to any conclusions, without concrete evidence, about their personalities and their attitudes is unfair and does them a disservice.

It wasn't a backhanded dig if you're referring to my comment. Either the motto "happiness breeds success" has credence or it lacks it.

 

[thebigabd]

Removing cancer can do wonders for your overall health.... James, Muni, Manek, Doolittle, etc have all been great so far.

 

[MisterF]

When I visited OU’s preseason practice I mentioned I thought this team would be better than we thought. I see some more upside still. Doolittle has not really hit his stride. Our freshman is going to get lots better this season. Brady’s struggling with his jumper, hopefully he will get that going. Plus team chemistry should continue to improve with our two new point guards. If the McNease we saw against Florida shows up every game, this team will be a tough out. I don’t think the big 12 is as tough top to bottom as last couple years.

 

[bob the nailer]

Can he play safety? Fly him into Morgantown couldn't possibly be any worse maybe bring odomes with him.

 

[AdaSooner]

Christian made me proud in that interview. Very impressive! Great to see him mature into a team leader this year!

 

[scrybe]

I thought he did a great job with the post-game interview today. I was very impressed by him. And to think, just a few days ago, some were insisting he was sure to create problems with his attitude.

I hope we've gotten the ragging-on-players out of our system. None of us knows what goes on behind the scenes with these young men and we don't really have a clue who they are as people. Facial expressions and the oft-cited "body language" simply aren't sufficient evidence to make negative judgments and assumptions about these guys.

Couldn't agree more, sky. And speaking of "ragging on players," did you notice the two players (Muni and Odomes) who were slammed repeatedly after the Wofford game contributed mightily against Florida. It's like a player who has one poor outing suddenly becomes useless and not good enough to play in the Big 12. This attitude has been a head-scratcher for me for several years now.

 

[coolm]

Great to see him mature into a team leader this year!

someone taking the mantle like that is what this team has been lacking since Isaiah and Buddy and Spangler.

 

[WichitaSooner]

I completely agree about how silly it is for people to draw conclusions by focusing on "body language." It seems like Doo also gets his share of criticism based on that and it is just ridiculous. Not everyone has the same way of reacting to things, but that doesn't mean they are unhappy or a cancer. I remember all the angst last season when Trae didn't immediately jump up and down with his teammates when the team saw its name in the NCAA bracket. There were people analyzing that like the Zapruder film.

 

[cvangild]

I noticed the interview too. He was very well spoken, very polite/courteous...impressive. I'm happy for him and hope he can finish his senior like this!!

Lon teaches these kids MORE than just basketball!!!!!

 

[SoonerTraveler]

I also think the "body language analysts" greatly overrate their abilities. People literally make-up a narrative based on nothing but a whim. They sometimes dream up cancers where none exist.

The improved hustle and toughness is very noticeable, and much appreciated. I know many of the guys are older now, but I think the two grad transfers have had a very positive influence. They not only brought their playing experience to the team, but also their fight and effort. It seems to be infectious.

 

[WTSooner]

I'm not saying the posts about James were right or wrong, but it's easy to be a leader and have good body language when things are going well. We'll know more when he has a few games where he struggles with his shot, or after the team hits their first losing streak.

 

[AdaSooner]

I'm not saying the posts about James were right or wrong, but it's easy to be a leader and have good body language when things are going well. We'll know more when he has a few games where he struggles with his shot, or after the team hits their first losing streak.

Posters can be like that too.

 

[skyvue]

I'm not saying the posts about James were right or wrong, but it's easy to be a leader and have good body language when things are going well. We'll know more when he has a few games where he struggles with his shot, or after the team hits their first losing streak.

You missed my point entirely. If we lose the next five games and he's not smiling enough or clapping or whatever it is the body language police look for, that won't mean he's a bad kid, has a bad attitude, is a cancer in the locker room, is a me-first guy or any other unfounded, unfair aspersions that will likely be cast by those who need someone to blame.

Oh, and welcome back.