Early Season Thoughts

[CoachTalk]

I mean, the subs have played pretty well. I would just like to see Manek and Doolittle both avg around 30min a game compared to 34-38min. Two games a week against big freak athletes, plus practices will wear on them.. I think Manek especially has shown the last two seasons that he can't hold up or will at least wear down.

I think Lon is still working with lineups and won't know for another month. I just hope Kur and Victor get multiple shots at playing each game, not just one 5 min stretch.

Next 2 games they should hopefully get a little rest.

 

[CoachTalk]

In the game thread, some were calling for him to be benched and Kuath brought in, but he played well enough in a short stint: 3 points on 1-2 shooting, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 block and good hustle on defense.

I was guilty of that because I want some more KUR!

I figured he got more burn because he was out last game.

 

[skyvue]

I was guilty of that because I want some more KUR!

I figured he got more burn because he was out last game.

I didn't mean to be calling anyone out, if that's how it sounded; I loved Kuath's first-half performance -- he seemed almost like an entirely different player than the one we'd seen. Hill did seem to be perhaps trying too hard at first, but he settled in a bit and was able to contribute.

 

[BCSooners]

Next 2 games they should hopefully get a little rest.

William & Mary beat Wofford. I know Wofford isn't what they were last year, but I think that shows that W&M can play a little bit.

 

[stormspencer]

William & Mary beat Wofford. I know Wofford isn't what they were last year, but I think that shows that W&M can play a little bit.

Bill & Mary isn't a terrible team, but Maryland Eastern Shore is gawd awful. The next two games should afford a bunch of guys down the bench some playing time and will give Lon some time to experiment.

 

[Darwin]

I mean, the subs have played pretty well. I would just like to see Manek and Doolittle both avg around 30min a game compared to 34-38min. Two games a week against big freak athletes, plus practices will wear on them.. I think Manek especially has shown the last two seasons that he can't hold up or will at least wear down.

I think Lon is still working with lineups and won't know for another month. I just hope Kur and Victor get multiple shots at playing each game, not just one 5 min stretch.

Good point. The key is getting these guys good minutes that build confidence not just game minutes looking unsteady. Winning is very important and it's great to get a couple of road-ish ones.

 

[usedtobe1]

I think Kruger is just trying to develop some depth in the front court. Our guards look good and we have 4 guys who can all play. Bienemy looked great last night. I love his motor. Williams has established himself as our 6th man in my opinion. That guy will just keep getting better .... he’s still learning the system since he didn’t get to campus until August. Reaves is as advertised, and Harmon is still “adapting” to D1 ball.

We do need to develop some depth behind Doo and Manek. Doo was the best player on the court last night, but can he do it consistently? Against bigger teams? Kur, Victor, and Hill all have potential. They will be needed. Merritt? I don’t know about him.

 

[thebigabd]

All expectations exceeded... Good team... Fun to watch... Athletic, skilled, etc.

 

[cowboysooner]

Team looks really good. I think the key will be if we can maintain our chemistry into conference. We have had a problem in this regard last few years. I don’t know about the starting 5 but 1 to nine this is the most talented we have been

 

[WichitaSooner]

Team looks really good. I think the key will be if we can maintain our chemistry into conference. We have had a problem in this regard last few years. I don’t know about the starting 5 but 1 to nine this is the most talented we have been

I don't think chemistry was an issue last season. The Big 12 is a great conference and we didn't have the horses to be in the top half of the league last year.

 

[BCSooners]

I don't think chemistry was an issue last season. The Big 12 is a great conference and we didn't have the horses to be in the top half of the league last year.

Agreed. Chemistry the year before was terrible at the end.

 

[Stikboy]

Think we have the horses this year?

 

[WichitaSooner]

Think we have the horses this year?

To finish better in conference? Yes. I said several months ago that I would be disappointed if we don't finish in the top half of the league, and I'll stand by that. I think anything under .500 in conference will be a letdown. All our returning players are better, and the new guys are far more talented than the players they replaced.

 

[Stikboy]

To finish better in conference? Yes. I said several months ago that I would be disappointed if we don't finish in the top half of the league, and I'll stand by that. I think anything under .500 in conference will be a letdown. All our returning players are better, and the new guys are far more talented than the players they replaced.

Well, I think so too, but i've been let down the past few seasons after good to great starts. I've tried to compare what we lost to what we've gained and everything seems to point to significant improvement.

I think the biggest thing is the continued growth of the bench. Can Kur turn flashes into extended contributions against bigger and better teams? Can Manek shoot better on the road? Will Iwuakor, Hill, and Williams continue to contribute against Big 12 level competition? Once again, the main thing is continued improvement. Be better at the end that at the beginning. That's what has eluded the program the past few years...

 

[WichitaSooner]

Well, I think so too, but i've been let down the past few seasons after good to great starts. I've tried to compare what we lost to what we've gained and everything seems to point to significant improvement.

I think the biggest thing is the continued growth of the bench. Can Kur turn flashes into extended contributions against bigger and better teams? Can Manek shoot better on the road? Will Iwuakor, Hill, and Williams continue to contribute against Big 12 level competition? Once again, the main thing is continued improvement. Be better at the end that at the beginning. That's what has eluded the program the past few years...

Agree. With respect to Kur, one small play stood out the other night. While it seemed simple, his catch and dunk on the pick and roll is a play that we have seen our bigs fumble time and again in recent years. (How many assists did Trae lose when Lattin either dropped a pass or couldn't finish?) I'm sure the new guys will all have rough games as they transition to D-1, but sheer talent puts them ahead of some of the guys we have brought off the bench recently.

 

[mardaddy51]

Thoughts on various players in no particular order:

3. Williams -- in a game where pure athleticism can be an asset regardless of your basketball ability or IQ, this guy deserves a scholarship, holy cow. However, he is more than just an athletic guy, and is capable of knocking down an open jump shot. Really like what he can bring to the team.

Not sure if this is what you were insinuated, but Williams does have a scholarship.

 

[CoachTalk]

Not sure if this is what you were insinuated, but Williams does have a scholarship.

Yeah there were some that have said JUCO kids dont deserve one.

 

[usedtobe1]

Williams has as much athleticism as anyone on the team. I suspect his role is going to grow as he becomes more comfortable with the system. I can see him averaging 20 minutes per game in conference play. JMHO

 

[Soonerinkc]

Ready to see them in KC. It’d be nice to get Missouri for the 2nd game and bury their asses in KC.

 

[scrybe]

Ready to see them in KC. It’d be nice to get Missouri for the 2nd game and bury their asses in KC.

LOL. Precisely what I was thinking.