For those able to go to practice:

[BigTime]

Thoughts on the progress of DJ Bennett? I saw a lot of potential in him in the early season practices that I watched. How is his shot looking? Has he put on any noticable weight?

 

[StatGeek]

I can't speak specifically to your questions but I was watching a practice via the online stream and you could hear CLK talking to someone (not a member of OU coaching staff) and the person he was talking to asked CLK "is that the kid you were talking about?" While motioning toward Bennett and CLK nodded yeah and said he is going to be good. I found the exchange interesting.

 

[KBaden145]

He is unlike any big we use right now. Looks to right like a lot of the type of bigs Tubbs used. Long springy athletic. Not skilled like MBaye, Fitz, or Ro. Real good shot blocker. Just needs some bulk and work on finding what offense he can provide. Extreme best case, I'm hoping for something along the lines of Cobbins of OState or Young of KU. Similar body types. If he provides that or more, he is a steal, a gem.

 

[MNsooner]

He is unlike any big we use right now. Looks to right like a lot of the type of bigs Tubbs used. Long springy athletic. Not skilled like MBaye, Fitz, or Ro. Real good shot blocker. Just needs some bulk and work on finding what offense he can provide. Extreme best case, I'm hoping for something along the lines of Cobbins of OState or Young of KU. Similar body types. If he provides that or more, he is a steal, a gem.

That description reminds me of Patillo. I'd be thrilled if he is that good.

 

[okienole3]

Loved Patillo. Hope Bennett has better free throw form.

 

[KBaden145]

That description reminds me of Patillo. I'd be thrilled if he is that good.

He's longer and taller than Patillo. More of a true post. I always saw Patillo as an Artest clone, more of a thick bodied 3.

 

[garyeb2]

He doesn't remind me of Patillo at all. Different kind of player. He runs the court better than Fitz. But, not like Osby, M'Baye, or Spangler. He seems very athletic in the space he is occupying.

He seems to be able to defend around the rim, rebound, and block shots at a high level. I don't doubt that he will develope some good short range offensive skills by the time next season rolls around.

He is one of my favorites and I think he will become a fan favorite.

 

[Sam]

Patillo had SPRINGS, while Bennett is a good athlete, I'll echo what Gary says and say he doesn't have ups like that. Should be a better shot blocker that anybody on this current roster, his wingspan is ridiculous.

 

[pnkranger]

Patillo had SPRINGS, while Bennett is a good athlete, I'll echo what Gary says and say he doesn't have ups like that. Should be a better shot blocker that anybody on this current roster, his wingspan is ridiculous.

Agreed. Patillo had Blake Griffin athleticism without the skill or size.

 

[garyeb2]

Patillo had SPRINGS, while Bennett is a good athlete, I'll echo what Gary says and say he doesn't have ups like that. Should be a better shot blocker that anybody on this current roster, his wingspan is ridiculous.

At practice one day M'Baye comes around a screen and rises up for a jump shot at about the free throw line. Bennett takes a step forward and rises up with him and shoved the ball back in M'Baye's face. I've been a Bennett fan ever since.

 

[AdaSooner]

The practice reports from Gary and Sam make me anxious to see what Bennett will bring to the team next season. Fans shouldn't underestimate the value of a shot blocker with a 7' 4" wingspan who can change shots and defend the rim. The stats show blocks, not how a guy like him can impact a game on the defensive end.

If he can add some weight to his frame and improve his game on the offensive end, he could be a real asset next year.

 

[Big Old Booger]

The practice reports from Gary and Sam make me anxious to see what Bennett will bring to the team next season. Fans shouldn't underestimate the value of a shot blocker with a 7' 4" wingspan who can change shots and defend the rim. The stats show blocks, not how a guy like him can impact a game on the defensive end.

If he can add some weight to his frame and improve his game on the offensive end, he could be a real asset next year.

He will have the same impact on the defensive end as Withey does this year. Offensively, he doesn't sound like he's in the same time zen as Withey but that's ok. As you said, a lot of what he brings won't show up n the stats but will in the win column.

 

[slappy in OP]

If he can have the impact of Withey on the D end, combined with how well our Freshmen guards defend, we will be a SALTY defense to go against next year. That would be fantastic.

 

[KBaden145]

He has to get stronger. He is just so different than anyone we have right now. We struggle to defend people at the rim. He has that in spades. A thinner, more raw Ibaka maybe, Gary?

 

[garyeb2]

He has to get stronger. He is just so different than anyone we have right now. We struggle to defend people at the rim. He has that in spades. A thinner, more raw Ibaka maybe, Gary?

I don't know. He is different than what we have had recently. How about a more athletic Nicole Grifffin.

I also think that the staff believes that Spangler is going to be pretty good. And the consensus would be that he is the guy who replaces Osby in the lineup. But, they have a bigger picture view and a specific knowledge of how he will be used. For me, just watching Spangler and Bennett work on the scout team, it is hard to separate them. They both do good things but in different ways.

 

[KBaden145]

Losing Osby will be tough but I'm liking our group of bigs for next year, especially if Hamilton and possibly Henry can contribute

 

[AdaSooner]

He will have the same impact on the defensive end as Withey does this year. Offensively, he doesn't sound like he's in the same time zen as Withey but that's ok. As you said, a lot of what he brings won't show up n the stats but will in the win column.

I thought of Withey when I made that obsersation. Not saying he is as good or that he is as polished offensively. Withey is a game changer when he's on defense. If Bennett's impact is anywhere close to that, he will see meaningful minutes next year.

 

[Big Old Booger]

I thought of Withey when I made that obsersation. Not saying he is as good or that he is as polished offensively. Withey is a game changer when he's on defense. If Bennett's impact is anywhere close to that, he will see meaningful minutes next year.

Just look at our first game vs KU and the only reason that game wasn't closer (or maybe an OU win) was Withey's impact on defense. He made some plays on offense, but he really changed the game on defense.

I wonder how Bennett compares to a Larry Turner or Jabhari Brown? Gary, can you or KBaden comment?

Gary, one more thing, you think Spangler will replace Osby, or you said that above. Why wouldn't M'Baye replace him since their games are a little similar? Then Bennett at the 5 with Spangler able to play both positions to give both Amath and Bennett a breather?

Thanks for the info.

 

[garyeb2]

Just look at our first game vs KU and the only reason that game wasn't closer (or maybe an OU win) was Withey's impact on defense. He made some plays on offense, but he really changed the game on defense.

I wonder how Bennett compares to a Larry Turner or Jabhari Brown? Gary, can you or KBaden comment?

Gary, one more thing, you think Spangler will replace Osby, or you said that above. Why wouldn't M'Baye replace him since their games are a little similar? Then Bennett at the 5 with Spangler able to play both positions to give both Amath and Bennett a breather?

Thanks for the info.

Larry Turner is a good comparison. And yes you are right. M'Baye is likely to be the new Osby and Spangler/ Bennett the new M'Baye.

 

[Big Old Booger]

Larry Turner is a good comparison. And yes you are right. M'Baye is likely to be the new Osby and Spangler/ Bennett the new M'Baye.

Can Spangler hit the 3? Both Osby and M'Baye have been able to just enough to keep the defense honest. I doubt Bennett can from what you have said about him, but you never know.

Again, thanks for the info.