Newell headed to Central Florida

[Soonerman]

I sure hope you are right.

For odd some reason, I doubt that...

 

[garyeb2]

For odd some reason, I doubt that...

It certainly would be an odd reason. I want the team do well. For the team to do well, the players have to do well.

I just happen to think that for the team to do well, Kruger will need better players than those left over from the Capel mess.

 

[JBaker]

Gary has said all along that Pledger wasn't going to start this year.
He's also said that M'Baye is going to be a wing player and 3-point specialist.

You can watch a million practices, but it doesn't make you know anything about basketball.

 

[stoops4pres]

Never going to get it, probably best to go with the: "It was mutually beneficial to all parties involved." explanation and let it go. We lost a guy off the bench, I can think of worse [no jinx!].

Agreed. I just don't really see the need with him putting out a front like that... If OU wasn't for him it wasn't for him. He didn't have to give some alternate and falsified reason. But oh well, maybe he'll find the fit he's apparently been looking for.

 

[hoopsaustin]

peace, i wasnt a big fan of his anyways

 

[garyeb2]

Gary has said all along that Pledger wasn't going to start this year.
He's also said that M'Baye is going to be a wing player and 3-point specialist.

You can watch a million practices, but it doesn't make you know anything about basketball.

My, we have some fiesty ones this evening.

What I said is that M'baye plays the wing everyday in practice. He is pretty good at it. The best we have. He is also the best 3 pt. shooter on the team. Better than Pledger.

At Wyoming, he was kind of a 4, but was on the outside alot. Even though he will likely defend a big, he has never played the same position as Fitz. And he is not now being prepared in any way to start playing that position next season. So, make whatever of that you want.

As far as Pledger, how many times do we have to cover this. We have all seen him play for two years. Last season he played 30 minutes a game and averaged 10 pts. And he was absolutely awfull on defense. His presence on the floor contributed to a just horrible season.

Now, some posters are pretty sure that he will somehow transform himself into some sort of an asset. Great, if that happens.

And as far as Kruger thinking that Pledger is his current best option, what does that have to do with the dicussion of whether or not Pledger is much of a player? It may just be a commentary on the current options.

Being a starter on last years team isn't much of resume builder is it? Being a starter on a sweet 16 team or a top 25 team probably means the guy could play alittle. Being a starter on a top 75 team means what exactly?

 

[WTSooner]

He is also the best 3 pt. shooter on the team. Better than Pledger.

So you want us to believe that a guy that shot 11% and 16% from three in his first two college seasons, in about 7 months, improved enough that he is better than Pledger, a guy that during is worst shooting season to date, still managed to shoot it at a 34% clip, and currently sits at 48% for this season?

Really? You believe M'Baye made THAT much progress, mostly on his own since team stuff was limited until what, October? Got a feeling you are alone on this one. And there are a few staff members on this board that have seen him as much as you have, and they aren't saying such things.

 

[boksooner]

Before we attack this kid, we should keep in mind that he is a 19 year old kid that is hurt and confused. He has lost the two people in this world that he turned to in a crisis. I don't see anyone ripping on Osby or M'Baye for transferring and Osby transferred for basically the same reason. Maybe we should wish the kid good luck and be sorry that things didn't work out for a kid that's had a tough year.

 

[garyeb2]

So you want us to believe that a guy that shot 11% and 16% from three in his first two college seasons, in about 7 months, improved enough that he is better than Pledger, a guy that during is worst shooting season to date, still managed to shoot it at a 34% clip, and currently sits at 48% for this season?

Really? You believe M'Baye made THAT much progress, mostly on his own since team stuff was limited until what, October? Got a feeling you are alone on this one. And there are a few staff members on this board that have seen him as much as you have, and they aren't saying such things.

WT, I don't live in Wyoming. I have never seen M'baye play in a game. I do know that his 3 pt shooting pct. there is based on a limited number of shots.

From what I have read, he didn't play much as a freshman. He missed the first ten games while his eligibility was being investigated. And according to one of his coaches, he really didn't start catching his stride until about the middle of his soph year.

But, I do live in Norman and have the luxury of spending my time however I want to. I spent alot of it thru the first two regular season games going to practice. For a basketball fan, it is a really interesting experience.

My observations are what they are. In the context of a practice setting during drills and scrimmages, M'Baye is the superior shooter from any range.

 

[BoulderSooner]

the best "practice" shooter on the team is Neal and it is not close ...

 

[garyeb2]

the best "practice" shooter on the team is Neal and it is not close ...

I would certainly agree that what Neal does in the gym looks like it should transfer to a 40% 3pt game average. It hasn't yet, mayby it will

 

[campbest]

So you want us to believe that a guy that shot 11% and 16% from three in his first two college seasons, in about 7 months, improved enough that he is better than Pledger, a guy that during is worst shooting season to date, still managed to shoot it at a 34% clip, and currently sits at 48% for this season?

Really? You believe M'Baye made THAT much progress, mostly on his own since team stuff was limited until what, October? Got a feeling you are alone on this one. And there are a few staff members on this board that have seen him as much as you have, and they aren't saying such things.

That would be a drastic turnaround.

I've seen M'Baye play twice, both against New Mexico. First game he didn't really do anything, only played 18 minutes according to the box score, but when they had the rematch in The Pit he played really well.

 

[AdaSooner]

If M'Baye is as good as some seem to think, we're in for an exciting season next year. As I recall, Sam said a few weeks ago that Amath will be an NBA prospect and might even be one and done. Even if he falls short of those lofty expectations, he'll still be a player who will add significantly to our rotation next season.

I have already gone on record in saying that the hype Osby received last year was warranted, at least for the most part. He was indeed the best player on our roster. M'Baye as a possible exception this year, he's still the best player. Does that mean I'm touting Romero as a future NBA prospect or even a first-team all conference player? Of course not. The "best player" tag is relative to our talent level last season, just as I suspect that M'Baye's evaluation is relative to our current roster.

I think we all knew going into the season that this would be a rebuilding year for OU basketball. Losing Newell is a minor bump in the road to recovery. I'm happy with where we are right now, and with the direction Coach Kruger is taking to get the program back to where we were three years ago. The addition of M'Baye and the three players he signed in the 2012 class is a huge step in that direction.

 

[pillmanj]

Before we attack this kid, we should keep in mind that he is a 19 year old kid that is hurt and confused. He has lost the two people in this world that he turned to in a crisis. I don't see anyone ripping on Osby or M'Baye for transferring and Osby transferred for basically the same reason. Maybe we should wish the kid good luck and be sorry that things didn't work out for a kid that's had a tough year.

I dont think Osby came out and said he wanted to transfer closer to home to be with his family after two deaths like Newell did.

 

[cowboysooner]

What I am about to say is just based on watching him play parts of a couple games last year only.

M'Baye played the 4, or inside, on defense last year. This is just the fact, at least in the games I saw. And, he was fine at it.

Offensively, he runs the floor well and got some transition baskets, scored around the hoops some and took open perimeter shots. I don't really recall whether I thought he was a good shooter or not. I don't remember seeing him shoot a lot in any respect.

He is a very good player that could play for anyone in the Country. Kids his height and with his athletic ability aren't that common. He looked pretty skilled for a kid that size as well. I am no expert, but I would be absolutely shocked if he wasn't a key player for us next year at some position. Looked a little bigger and faster, but otherwise looked fairly similar to Taj Grey when I watched (didn't see enough to know if he is as skilled, he may or may not be).

That is my 2 cents.

 

[vbdad]

Newell thought he should be a starter and decided to leave. The coaches didn't want him to leave but he or anybody else on this team is good enough for them to try and change their mind. He wasn't very involved with his teammates.

Good news we have another scholarship to give.

 

[Chiefdaddy]

I'm disappointed to find out that he transferred because he wanted to start. I liked Newell and what he brought to the table for a team off the bench. He's a undersized 2 guard that takes bad shots and plays out of control at times. If he's hot, it's great. If not, take him out because he is going to cause more problems than solutions. Sometimes kids need to look in the mirror and seek the truth. Kinda like TMG thinking he was going to go to the NBA. Come on man.

 

[TheGimper]

Newell thought he should be a starter and decided to leave. The coaches didn't want him to leave but he or anybody else on this team is good enough for them to try and change their mind. He wasn't very involved with his teammates.

Good news we have another scholarship to give.

If they bring in Henry in the Spring that means he will be taking that scholarship this year.

 

[WTSooner]

If they bring in Henry in the Spring that means he will be taking that scholarship this year.

I think we have one to give this year, assuming the NCAA penalty was only one scholarship, and assuming Honore is not on scholarship.

 

[Sooner23]