The annual Faith 7 game in Shawnee, Okla. is known for featuring future Oklahoma Sooner basketball players, and this year was no different.
Future teammates and roommates T.J. Taylor (Dennison, Texas) and Tyler Neal (Putman City West) carried on a tradition that includes the likes of Wayman Tisdale, Cade Davis, Willie Warren, Stacey King, Blake and Taylor Griffin.
This time the Texas team of high school all stars ran away with the game thanks to work of Taylor and his teammates in a 130-88 win.
Offensively, Taylor was not very impressive on the stat sheet with only four points, but his style of play looked out of place in the high tempo all-star game.
“I am a pass-first guy so it is important for me to get my teammates involved,” Taylor told OUHoops.com after the game.
He showed off his passing skills as he would routinely look for the open teammate after penetrating the lane, and harassed opposing offensive players on defense to the tune of three steals.
Taylor is also happy to finally be in Oklahoma after committing to the Sooners over a year ago. After a humbling high school season where his team lost 17 games, Taylor is hungrier than ever and ready to help the Sooners in any way possible.
As for the combo guard’s future position for the Sooners, he is willing to help the Sooners anyway he can.
“I expect to do some alternating at the one and the two, and I will do my best to step up anytime they call on me. I know I am only a freshman, but I am going to work hard to contribute when needed.”
Neal’s versatile game was better suited for the up-tempo all star-game as he excelled in getting his own shot. He showed the ability to go off the dribble and penetrate the lane while finishing and drawing fouls for his 13 points. He displayed a sweet stroke from the free throw line as he went 4-4.
The 6’7 hybrid forward did not limit his game to finesse play as he did the dirty work for the Oklahoma squad with 10 rebounds. Included in the 10 rebounds were offensive boards that he converted into easy points for put backs.
Looking ahead, Neal’s future spot on the court for the Sooners is still up in the air, between the small forward and power forward spots.
“I am willing to play wherever coach needs me to. I can step out and play on the perimeter at the 3, but also play down low at the 4 spot. It just depends on the match up and wherever I can be successful,” said Neal when he spoke with OUHoops.com following the game.
Neal is also happy to achieve his lifelong dream of becoming a Sooner with moving into the athletic dorms this past week.
"When he (Capel) offered it was crazy, I was so ready to get down there. Now I am moving in with all the other freshmen athletes. Growing up going to football and basketball games (in Norman) then when he (Capel) offered it was, wow, just surreal.”
With their prep careers behind them, both incoming Sooners are ready to get their collegiate careers going.
“I am excited to get to work with my roommate, T.J. Taylor,” said Neal as both look forward to starting their Sooner careers this summer.
Future teammates and roommates T.J. Taylor (Dennison, Texas) and Tyler Neal (Putman City West) carried on a tradition that includes the likes of Wayman Tisdale, Cade Davis, Willie Warren, Stacey King, Blake and Taylor Griffin.
This time the Texas team of high school all stars ran away with the game thanks to work of Taylor and his teammates in a 130-88 win.
Offensively, Taylor was not very impressive on the stat sheet with only four points, but his style of play looked out of place in the high tempo all-star game.
“I am a pass-first guy so it is important for me to get my teammates involved,” Taylor told OUHoops.com after the game.
He showed off his passing skills as he would routinely look for the open teammate after penetrating the lane, and harassed opposing offensive players on defense to the tune of three steals.
Taylor is also happy to finally be in Oklahoma after committing to the Sooners over a year ago. After a humbling high school season where his team lost 17 games, Taylor is hungrier than ever and ready to help the Sooners in any way possible.
As for the combo guard’s future position for the Sooners, he is willing to help the Sooners anyway he can.
“I expect to do some alternating at the one and the two, and I will do my best to step up anytime they call on me. I know I am only a freshman, but I am going to work hard to contribute when needed.”
Neal’s versatile game was better suited for the up-tempo all star-game as he excelled in getting his own shot. He showed the ability to go off the dribble and penetrate the lane while finishing and drawing fouls for his 13 points. He displayed a sweet stroke from the free throw line as he went 4-4.
The 6’7 hybrid forward did not limit his game to finesse play as he did the dirty work for the Oklahoma squad with 10 rebounds. Included in the 10 rebounds were offensive boards that he converted into easy points for put backs.
Looking ahead, Neal’s future spot on the court for the Sooners is still up in the air, between the small forward and power forward spots.
“I am willing to play wherever coach needs me to. I can step out and play on the perimeter at the 3, but also play down low at the 4 spot. It just depends on the match up and wherever I can be successful,” said Neal when he spoke with OUHoops.com following the game.
Neal is also happy to achieve his lifelong dream of becoming a Sooner with moving into the athletic dorms this past week.
"When he (Capel) offered it was crazy, I was so ready to get down there. Now I am moving in with all the other freshmen athletes. Growing up going to football and basketball games (in Norman) then when he (Capel) offered it was, wow, just surreal.”
With their prep careers behind them, both incoming Sooners are ready to get their collegiate careers going.
“I am excited to get to work with my roommate, T.J. Taylor,” said Neal as both look forward to starting their Sooner careers this summer.
