My thoughts on Kruger so far

[elmocarp]

I've noticed lots of comments in other threads about how we all feel about Lon so far, I just thought I'd distill some of it and throw a couple of opinions out there.

First of all, it has been a pleasure seeing him take control of the program. I think any discussion of him has to start with the type of leader he is. I don't think we appreciate enough how firmly in control of things he is. Of course, there is all the cheesy PR and media stuff that he does...he does great with that for sure, but that's not even what I'm talking about. It's the way everything in the program is in sync and consistent. This guy knows exactly what he is doing, knows exactly what he wants, and he has the confidence to make decisions quickly and clearly.

Also, the things coming out of the mouths of the players and all the new recruits has been so encouraging. They inherited players seem energized and totally bought in, but the new players...they all seem to be a "type." Its a bit of a cliche, but it does seem clear that there is a type of guy that Kruger appeals to. And whatever that type is, I'm confident in the quality of people coming through the program. As far as recruiting goes, I love it that he doesn't play the typical games with these guys. He doesn't seem to slow play mid level players. This goes back to the leadership...he knows what a player he wants looks like and he's not going to slow play a kid he wants on the chance to get one who might be incrementally better. Not only do I think that is the practically superior strategy for our program, but its one I can feel good about.

Now, most of us that are going to spend time on a message board are likely to follow recruiting to varying degrees, so I understand why many people haven't been "excited" with the last couple of commits (Elliot and Hamilton). That is a very valid feeling and I'm not suggesting we just "trust the coach." That said, I think we need a tiny bit of perspective about this. Take these things into account: UNLV is not reasonably easier to recruit to than OU, and Capel is widely perceived as being a stronger recruiter than Kruger. But since the departure of Blake, which roster would you rather have, OU's or UNLV's? Some may say OU, but I personally don't think its that close...I view UNLV to have the greater talent. Strangely though, I can't imagine that UNLV likely ever had I higher ranked class than OU during that time. So if we are unsure how to feel about guys like Elliot, Hamilton and Bennett...that is totally reasonable. But to say he isn't recruiting well is uninformed and impulsive...it doesn't have to be "in coach I trust", but we do need to wait and see how the product turns out.

Personally, I've been thrilled by the job he's done so far. I expect the team to take a step forward this year, and ultimately the wins have to come and the momentum has to start rolling along. That said, I now have a clear idea of what I want the coach at OU to "look like." And ultimately, that should be what we are all focused on in the big picture. Coach Kruger will almost certainly get the program back on track and competing at a relatively high level. But he is an older guy, and its entirely likely that he has signed his last contract as a head coach. So someone else will have to come in and keep the ball rolling. In the meantime, I'm glad we've got a guy who is so clearly a leader. I think he's the perfect guy for where we are right now.

 

[tycat947]

I agree. I just have a feeling that we're going to the next level this year. Not a Final 4 level, but a level that many of us thought we might achieve last year after a promising non-conference season. I think we have a real good shot at the NCAA this year. There are 18 conference games and I pretty much think Tech and TCU are 4 wins right off the bat. There are 7 other conference home games and I think we can win them with the exception of the Jayhawks. That would put us at 10 wins in conference at least and I think we'll be able to win 1 or 2 on the road which would leave us with a 11-7 or 12-6 potential conference record that would get us a NCAA bid IMO. Last year was a learning year for all and I'm expecting strong improvement this year hopefully leading to a return to NCAA. LK has been the orchestrator of this. I like what he's doing off the court as well as on the court. I know we're all impatient and things never happen fast enough for us fans but I think he's building a strong program and when he leaves, we'll be able to attract a quality coach that will continue the growth and stability that LK had achieved.

 

[BigTime]

Good to hear from you, EC. Nice post and don't be a stranger around here!

 

[BoulderSooner]

thanks for your thoughts

 

[NickZepp]

Kruger is taking the program the right way. Maybe not as fast as some of our fans will like. We may not even be NCAA Tournament level yet. I just don't know if we quite have the guards yet. But he'll leave the foundation for a solid program at Oklahoma for years to come. We should have the best, deepest post team in the Big 12 so hopefully we'll be ready to go to war with everyone.

 

[j2d2]

When I think of my thoughts before Capel was fired, I am jumping up and down. Then I couldnt see anything in our future. I had lost ALL confidence in Capel especially in his coaching and recruiting and judgment of players. I'm much impressed with the different projection now. Unless we get a couple of Blake's in the program at the same time, it will be difficult to get the best players to come here. Sampson was getting close with that last class that all disappeared. Ever Upward, Onward and Outward!!!

 

[MNsooner]

I'm just glad we are recruiting guys who aren't just talented, but are hard workers. You need guys who are going to work to make the most of the talent they have. Kruger is getting guys who as Freshman have the work ethic to impress our upper classmen leaders. That is a good thing.

 

[AdaSooner]

Well done, ElmoCarp!

It's easy to see why LK has been successful at every stop he's made. He builds a program the way a top CEO would build a business, by establishing relationships, developing team leaders and bringing in good players who want to be part of what he is trying to create.

I have been very impressed with the caliber of the young men he has brought to OU. They're not just good players, they all appear to be quality individuals who will represent the university well, on and off the court, something we have not always seen in years past. The jury may still be out to some exent on how these kids will perform when it's time to put them to the ultimate test. Of one thing I'm sure, our program is in good hands with Coach Kruger in charge.