Depth

[Eielson]

Are you just making stuff up now?

Dude...

 

[garyeb2]

Are you just making stuff up now?

He shot 34% from three in conference play. Take away the 0-5 game against ISU, and he shot 37% from three in all other conference games. While that isn't great, it is certainly good, and has value. He also shot 38% from three in our three NCAA Tourney games.

As a comparison, Buddy shot 26% from three in the NCAA Tourney, and 38% from three in Big 12 games. So in Big 12 games, Buddy shot 4% better from three than did Booker.

Cousins shot 28% from three in the NCAA Tourney games.

I'm not saying Booker is better than either guy, even at just shooting, just pointing out that if you take away the slow Booker start which most attributed to a back injury, he was shooting the ball at a similar clip as Buddy starting about the time Big 12 play started. Heck, Booker may have been better, percentage-wise, than Buddy, starting with that first Big 12 game thru the rest of the season.

And trying to compare Booker to Buford is just silly. Buford will likely never play a single minute at the 2 spot. And three point shooting isn't going to be his specialty either. And I say that as somebody that likes Buford as a player. But any comparison here is just silly. Can't compare those two players.

You have no first hand knowledge about anything you are talking about or asserting. I do. Buford is a 6' 7" kid with guard skills. While he may never be used as a shooting guard, if needed, his guard skills are already better than bookers. Buford thinks he is a 3 pf shooter and he will have the green light from Kruger to take them whenever he is open.

 

[Eielson]

Call it what you want...he won that game for us. We were down by 9 points in the middle of the second half...going nowhere...and he hits this crazy, off-balanced three-point shot which completely turned the game around. We don't win that game without him. PERIOD.

You realize those were the only 3 points he scored in the second half, right? Dayton scored a basket with 10:23 left in the game to go up 7, and they didn't score again until 1:19 left. That 9 minute stretch is what won us the game, and I don't think Booker was leading the charge on defense.

 

[WTSooner]

You have no first hand knowledge about anything you are talking about or asserting. I do. Buford is a 6' 7" kid with guard skills. While he may never be used as a shooting guard, if needed, his guard skills are already better than bookers. Buford thinks he is a 3 pf shooter and he will have the green light from Kruger to take them whenever he is open.

If Buford was a prolific shooter, there would be NO questions about where he would play in college, and he wouldn't have been labeled a "4" by just about every recruiting service, while "ball skills", ie, ball handling and shooting, were nearly always listed as his weakness.

ONE year of practice isn't going to change that. I think he will mature into a solid wing player, perhaps as early as his redshirt soph season. But a guy his size, that enters college with ball skill weaknesses, is probably never going to develop those balls skills enough for them to be adequate as a 2 guard. As a 3? Sure. As a small 4? Absolutely. But as a 2 guard? No.

As for what I know about Buford, you have NO idea what I know about the kid, so drop that now. As for the greenlight, that too doesn't mean much. Just about everybody has the greenlight on a Lon Kruger coached team. Woodard despite his struggles. Osby. Spangler. Cam. I don't think any of those guys are considered prolific 3 point shooters.

Read any recruiting write-up on Buford and it will say his biggest strengths are athleticism, D, rebounding, even shot blocking, stuff like that. And it will list ball handling and shooting as areas of weakness.

 

[usedtobe1]

I was typing with my thumbs on the phone after 3 stiff bourbons. I was scolded last summer for posting reports during off season practices.

Scolded by the staff? If so, I understand. I knew the reports stopped for some reason. You don't want to get your access to practices revoked for any reason. I appreciate your input when you do post. Give us what you can .... along the way. Thanks to you, it's confirmed that Buford has a decent outside shot and can shoot from deep as either a wing or stretch 4. I know Odomes and James can, too, so I like our substitution options next year on the perimeter (add Walker in whatever role).

 

[Eielson]

If Buford was a prolific shooter, there would be NO questions about where he would play in college, and he wouldn't have been labeled a "4" by just about every recruiting service, while "ball skills", ie, ball handling and shooting, were nearly always listed as his weakness.

ONE year of practice isn't going to change that. I think he will mature into a solid wing player, perhaps as early as his redshirt soph season. But a guy his size, that enters college with ball skill weaknesses, is probably never going to develop those balls skills enough for them to be adequate as a 2 guard. As a 3? Sure. As a small 4? Absolutely. But as a 2 guard? No.

As for what I know about Buford, you have NO idea what I know about the kid, so drop that now. As for the greenlight, that too doesn't mean much. Just about everybody has the greenlight on a Lon Kruger coached team. Woodard despite his struggles. Osby. Spangler. Cam. I don't think any of those guys are considered prolific 3 point shooters.

Read any recruiting write-up on Buford and it will say his biggest strengths are athleticism, D, rebounding, even shot blocking, stuff like that. And it will list ball handling and shooting as areas of weakness.

He said you have no first-hand knowledge of what you're speaking of, and you refute this by citing recruiting websites? I think you proved his point.

 

[SoonerTraveler]

... Buford is a 6' 7" kid with guard skills. While he may never be used as a shooting guard, if needed, his guard skills are already better than bookers. Buford thinks he is a 3 pf shooter and he will have the green light from Kruger to take them whenever he is open.

I have also watched practice, including one this past week. I agree with Gary's assessment. In practice, Buford shoots it very well from 3-point range. Time will tell if he shoots it as well as Booker in actual games. He also handles the ball right now at least as good as Booker ever did. Buford has also shown a nice mid-range jumper after creating space for his shot.

I was sorry to see Booker go and take his experience with him, but Buford is more versatile, more athletic, and has a better upside.

The battle (competition) between the young wing players is going to be severe. Buford, Odomes and James can play, and they all compete like they want to be the future starters. Practice is tough and physical. It is easy to see one possible reason why Booker left. And yes, Buford is versatile enough to play the "4" if OU needs him too.

 

[WTSooner]

He said you have no first-hand knowledge of what you're speaking of, and you refute this by citing recruiting websites? I think you proved his point.

No, I refuted it by telling him he has no idea what kind of knowledge I have. And he doesn't.

 

[WTSooner]

It is easy to see one possible reason why Booker left.

Booker left because he was asked to leave. And he was asked to leave for things that don't have anything to do with "basketball", per se.

 

[SoonerTraveler]

Booker left because he was asked to leave. And he was asked to leave for things that don't have anything to do with "basketball", per se.

Thanks. As far as the team goes, this sounds like addition by subtraction.

In person, Booker always seemed like a fine young man. Whatever the reason for his departure, I hope he learns from it and becomes better for it.

 

[AdaSooner]

I have also watched practice, including one this past week. I agree with Gary's assessment. In practice, Buford shoots it very well from 3-point range. Time will tell if he shoots it as well as Booker in actual games. He also handles the ball right now at least as good as Booker ever did. Buford has also shown a nice mid-range jumper after creating space for his shot.

I was sorry to see Booker go and take his experience with him, but Buford is more versatile, more athletic, and has a better upside.

The battle (competition) between the young wing players is going to be severe. Buford, Odomes and James can play, and they all compete like they want to be the future starters. Practice is tough and physical. It is easy to see one possible reason why Booker left. And yes, Buford is versatile enough to play the "4" if OU needs him too.

Traveler and Gary have confirmed everything I have read and heard about Dante Buford. He can shoot it from deep. One stat line I found showed that he shot 53% from three as a sophomore, albeit on a limited number of shots (18 of 34). I saw him play twice on television when he was a senior at ACD. He spent more time at the four in those games, because that's where the coaches needed him the most. I also believe that is why he is listed as a PF on most sites, although I have seen him listed as a guard-forward on some sites.

This rivals.com article confirms what Trav and Gary have said about his shooting (see the quotes from his ACD coach below):

Morgan said the first attribute that struck him about Buford was his athleticism.

"He's so athletic," he said. "I mean -- that catches everybody's eye. I think because he's such a great athlete people don't realize that he can really shoot the ball, and he's a very good passer.
"To move out to (small forward) he needs to work on his ball-handling. But he can guard a (small forward) right now, which is very important. He's just got incredible timing, and he jumps so easy."

https://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1571766

I have said all along that he will get a chance to play the three, because that is what LK promised when he signed with OU. Does that mean he will not move to the four at some point, and maybe even stay there if he's not getting the job done at the three? That is certainly a possibility. Look no further than Cousins' opportunity to play the point his first season to see what I mean. Kruger promised Isaiah he would get his chance and he kept his promise. When it was clear that the experiment didn't work as well as everyone involved had hoped, Isaiah was moved to the two, which is obviously where he needed to be all along. He was the back up at the point last year and will likely be again this year, unless Walker improves enough in the off season to take over the spot he was signed to fill.

Make no mistake, though. Dante Buford will be a matchup nightmare for defenders no matter where he plays. If you're not excited about what he can bring to the team, watch this highlight video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUNbvJ6nohY

 

[BCSooners]

Has Buford's shot changed much? I know in HS he sort of flicked his shot some.

 

[Darwin]

So SoonerTraveler, I know Gary's not allowed but could you post a practice report please.

 

[KBaden145]

My recollection from his videos and the limited amount I've seen of him in practice was that only ball-handling and not shooting or athleticism was keeping him from being a true wing. I need to see him handle the ball well against legit D-1 competition but I think, in time, his versatility will be an incredible asset for this team next season. I think he'll be a multi-positional player for us and spend time on the wing and the post, with offense coming at the 3, mid-range, and in the post. Potentially a bigger Buddy?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[kbsooner]

I have also watched practice, including one this past week. I agree with Gary's assessment. In practice, Buford shoots it very well from 3-point range. Time will tell if he shoots it as well as Booker in actual games. He also handles the ball right now at least as good as Booker ever did. Buford has also shown a nice mid-range jumper after creating space for his shot.

I was sorry to see Booker go and take his experience with him, but Buford is more versatile, more athletic, and has a better upside.

The battle (competition) between the young wing players is going to be severe. Buford, Odomes and James can play, and they all compete like they want to be the future starters. Practice is tough and physical. It is easy to see one possible reason why Booker left. And yes, Buford is versatile enough to play the "4" if OU needs him too.

Just got back from the Parent/Child camp (which was REALLY fun btw, minus every part of my body is seriously ailing), and I agree with your assessment of the new young guys. They are all 2-3 inches taller than Buddy/Cousins and certainly look the part. We sat with Coach Henson and he was really talking up the depth and options they have this year. As for Buford, he basically said think Cam Clark, can play both inside and out depending on what is needed. He wouldn't give up the 5th starter to us, but said they definitely have options! Music to my ears. This team looks as athletic as across the board as I have seen at OU in a long time.

The guy I think can absolutely bring us to the next level is AK. Legitmally close to that 7' height (I'm almost 6'-4"), he will be the guy on D that can change the complexion of a game. With him and Kadeem, we have some serious shot blocking potential. The only concern is that the frontline guys could all use about 10-15 more lbs, but thats being pretty picky.

Also the guys were mostly messing around in the gym, but AK does have a pretty smooth shot and touch away from the basket. Whether he can do it in a game situation remains to be seen, but if he can hit 10-15 foot jumpers then watch out.

 

[SoonerTraveler]

So SoonerTraveler, I know Gary's not allowed but could you post a practice report please.

We are all in the same boat. Since Gary was scolded last summer for posting reports during off season practices, I wish to avoid the same thing. I only stopped by practice last week because I was already in Norman on other business. The previous comments I made about Buford are based on observations made during practices last season, although he still looks like a good player.

I must add, no matter when a Sooner fan shows up at a practice, the players and coaches treat their visitors with friendliness and appreciation. If you are still there at the end of practice, do not be surprised if some players stop by, shake your hand, and thank you for being there. At least, that is my experience in the few practices I have attended since Coach Kruger arrived in April 2011.

**********

Maybe I don’t have the same discipline that Gary has, as my enthusiasm for the team makes me want to share a general observation or tidbit. Everyone on the roster looks healthy. The seniors must have been working hard, as they look even better than before. I greatly admire the walk-on players, as they definitely contribute a great deal to the success of the team, and they are good basketball players in their own right.

 

[WTSooner]

Potentially a bigger Buddy?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

This was mentioned above, but I think a bigger (bulkier) Cam is probably a better comparison.

 

[SoonerTraveler]

This was mentioned above, but I think a bigger (bulkier) Cam is probably a better comparison.

Also, a smoother Cam. I always thought Cam was a bit "herky-jerky" in his movements. Buford seems to have more of a natural flow to his physical movements, if that makes any sense.

 

[skyvue]

I must add, no matter when a Sooner fan shows up at a practice, the players and coaches treat their visitors with friendliness and appreciation. If you are still there at the end of practice, do not be surprised if some players stop by, shake your hand, and thank you for being there. At least, that is my experience in the few practices I have attended since Coach Kruger arrived in April 2011.

That was my experience in attending a practice last December, too. I had a great time, and everyone I met, especially the coaches and players, was friendly and welcoming.

I encourage every Sooner hoops fan to attend a practice when you can. It's really a fun and instructive experience. I was very much looking forward to it when I went, and it exceeded even my high expectations.

 

[AdaSooner]

We are all in the same boat. Since Gary was scolded last summer for posting reports during off season practices, I wish to avoid the same thing. I only stopped by practice last week because I was already in Norman on other business. The previous comments I made about Buford are based on observations made during practices last season, although he still looks like a good player.

I must add, no matter when a Sooner fan shows up at a practice, the players and coaches treat their visitors with friendliness and appreciation. If you are still there at the end of practice, do not be surprised if some players stop by, shake your hand, and thank you for being there. At least, that is my experience in the few practices I have attended since Coach Kruger arrived in April 2011.

**********

Maybe I don’t have the same discipline that Gary has, as my enthusiasm for the team makes me want to share a general observation or tidbit. Everyone on the roster looks healthy. The seniors must have been working hard, as they look even better than before. I greatly admire the walk-on players, as they definitely contribute a great deal to the success of the team, and they are good basketball players in their own right.

Gary was scolded by one member of OU's staff, an administrative type, not one of the assistants charged with coaching our players up during games and practice sessions.

I could be wrong, but I find it hard to believe that Coach Kruger approved of or even knew about that incident. Why? Because it went against everything he has done to embrace OU basketball fans by opening practice sessions and numerous other moves to make fans feel a sense of ownership since he arrived on campus four years ago.

I'm betting that if Coach Kruger was asked if posting a recap of your observations on the only board dedicated to OU basketball is okay, he wouldn't hesitate to give his approval.