Lattin dominates in big win

[SoonerTraveler]

Like Ada points out above, I doubt that anyone is placing unrealistic expectations on the new big men coming into the program. During the entire history of OU basketball, it has been extremely rare that a 6’9” or taller recruit has stepped onto campus and been a “difference maker” as a freshman for the OU basketball team. The obvious exceptions were Alvin Adams, Blake Griffin and Waymon Tisdale (who was actually a bit less than 6’8”).

There is nothing wrong with bringing in high school post players that are “projects.” That is the norm. What is nice is bringing in tall and long young players like KHADEEM LATTIN and JAMUNI McNEACE that are athletic for their size, and have the potential for improvement in the view of an experienced coach like Lon Kruger. Even the Hope Diamond started out as a diamond-in-the-rough.

I bet that at least one of these post players will see playing time as a true freshman, and will help the Sooners win some games next year. It is exciting to have two young athletic post players coming into the program. This bodes well for the long term success of the program.

I also expect D.J. Bennett to have “the light come on” as a senior and exceed the expectations of many, just as Tyler Neal is having his best season as a senior.

To Gary and others, these reports are much appreciated.

 

[garyeb2]

Like Ada points out above, I doubt that anyone is placing unrealistic expectations on the new big men coming into the program. During the entire history of OU basketball, it has been extremely rare that a 6’9” or taller recruit has stepped onto campus and been a “difference maker” as a freshman for the OU basketball team. The obvious exceptions were Alvin Adams, Blake Griffin and Waymon Tisdale (who was actually a bit less than 6’8”).

There is nothing wrong with bringing in high school post players that are “projects.” That is the norm. What is nice is bringing in tall and long young players like KHADEEM LATTIN and JAMUNI McNEACE that are athletic for their size, and have the potential for improvement in the view of an experienced coach like Lon Kruger. Even the Hope Diamond started out as a diamond-in-the-rough.

I bet that at least one of these post players will see playing time as a true freshman, and will help the Sooners win some games next year. It is exciting to have two young athletic post players coming into the program. This bodes well for the long term success of the program.

I also expect D.J. Bennett to have “the light come on” as a senior and exceed the expectations of many, just as Tyler Neal is having his best season as a senior.

To Gary and others, these reports are much appreciated.

Your welcome. Happy to do it. I don't want to be a contrarian on this topic. But, I'll pose a question that I ask Coach Hill.

I asked, "since you can't hand the recruits a bag of cash, what are you selling to get them to OU?" He answer was quick and direct. He said, "playing time." He went on to say that if they bit on playing time, they would go on to sell how the kids particular skills would fit with OU and how that fit would allow them to be successful.

With kids like Buford and Lattin, who have multiple options, OU sold and they bought playing time. That is the same sell and buy that got us Buddy, Cousins, and Hornbeak. Lattin and Buford are the favorites to play and play a lot next season.

 

[AdaSooner]

Like Ada points out above, I doubt that anyone is placing unrealistic expectations on the new big men coming into the program. During the entire history of OU basketball, it has been extremely rare that a 6’9” or taller recruit has stepped onto campus and been a “difference maker” as a freshman for the OU basketball team. The obvious exceptions were Alvin Adams, Blake Griffin and Waymon Tisdale (who was actually a bit less than 6’8”).

There is nothing wrong with bringing in high school post players that are “projects.” That is the norm. What is nice is bringing in tall and long young players like KHADEEM LATTIN and JAMUNI McNEACE that are athletic for their size, and have the potential for improvement in the view of an experienced coach like Lon Kruger. Even the Hope Diamond started out as a diamond-in-the-rough.

I bet that at least one of these post players will see playing time as a true freshman, and will help the Sooners win some games next year. It is exciting to have two young athletic post players coming into the program. This bodes well for the long term success of the program.

I also expect D.J. Bennett to have “the light come on” as a senior and exceed the expectations of many, just as Tyler Neal is having his best season as a senior.

To Gary and others, these reports are much appreciated.

Well said, Traveler! As you correctly pointed out, the players OU has been able to bring in over the years usually need time and a good deal of patience to be productive. That will certainly be the case with Lattin, Buford and McNeace.

Having said that, we have all seen the results of good coaching with every player on this year's team. I see no reason to believe that pattern will not continue with our 2014 class. Lattin and Buford have tons of potential. We don't know much about McNeace at this point. But by all of the accounts I've read he has a high ceiling.

I agree with everything you said about Bennett. I'll go one step further in saying that IMO the light has already come on to some extent. He seemed lost at times a few weeks back. I have seen signs in the last three to four games that he is finally "getting it." I thought he did some good things yesterday in the limited time he was on the floor. If he continues to progress the remainder of the season and takes the giant step we typically see out of most juco transfers, his contribution next season could rival or surpass that of Tyler Neal this year.