High character kids

[BigTime]

I realize (and agree) that winning is the most important criteria in college basketball for a coach to keep his job, but I am impressed with caliber of kids that Kruger, Henson and company are bringing into this program.

I am not sure on Hamilton, but Woodard, Booker, Avila, Spangler, Cole and Bennett all seem like great people coming into the program. I have heard great things about the character of Buddy Hield and Hornbeak as well.

Hopefully some of the Sherri Coale die hards who really seem to appreciate the character kids in her program will start supporting the men's side as well.

 

[SoonerTraveler]

Excellent observation. Five years from now, I think we will look back and be able to take pride in the graduation rate for the OU men's basketball program.

Having traveled a bit, I have had the opportunity to stay at the "team hotel" and I have heard some of the compliments from people in other cities about how well behaved the OU team is. Service staff at hotels, restaurants and travel providers go out of their way to offer compliments about the OU team. From what I have seen, Lon Kruger and his staff really take care of "the little things" and this reflects well on the University of Oklahoma.

If the character of a team is a reflection of the character of their coach, then the program is in good hands. I also think that "winning" is part of that character, as Coach Kruger has been very competitive his entire life.

There are many components to an organization like a basketball program, and I like what I see in most areas. It is taking time, but things are improving and a solid foundation is forming.

Of course I would also like to see more high-level recruits on the roster, but only if they are high-character people.

With the passage of time the pressure at OU to win at a higher level will increase for Coach Kruger. While I want every OU coach to succeed, this is especially true for Coach Kruger. He is one of the nicest people I have ever met. He seems to make every effort to do things the right way. He is friendly and tries to treat every person with respect. He is genuine. I hope the old saying can be changed to: Nice guys finish first.

 

[colston15]

I think the roster's character transformation began in Capel's final two seasons after his tenure was essentially ruined by a poorly judged class character wise.

Clearly, Kruger has only continued that trend while upgrading the talent.

However, I think a program like OU has to take a few risks here and there. I'm not saying we need a Marshall Henderson running around, but we don't need a roster full of choir boys either.

 

[WTSooner]

I think the roster's character transformation began in Capel's final two seasons after his tenure was essentially ruined by a poorly judged class character wise.

Clearly, Kruger has only continued that trend while upgrading the talent.

However, I think a program like OU has to take a few risks here and there. I'm not saying we need a Marshall Henderson running around, but we don't need a roster full of choir boys either.

In a couple of years when LK has the roster set up like he wants it, and the program is back on stable ground, I agree. But I don't think this, meaning right now, is the time to take those chances.