Not enough 'dudes'

[colston15]

That's what Mark Gottfried calls play makers and we don't have enough.

Down the stretch ISU let Clyburn, Ejim and co. go to work and they did. We had no answer.

We've got one guy like that, kind of, although Osby isn't great when the entire defense knows it's going to him.

Look around the conference, the only teams with less to go to when it counts are Tech, TCU and West Virginia. Yet somehow we finished 4th.

So for those of you down on Kruger, get a clue. I'm not blasting the players, either. Just pointing out that in close games we're going to struggle because we don't enough guys that can make something happen.

 

[SoonerTraveler]

That's what Mark Gottfried calls play makers and we don't have enough.

Down the stretch ISU let Clyburn, Ejim and co. go to work and they did. We had no answer.

We've got one guy like that, kind of, although Osby isn't great when the entire defense knows it's going to him.

Look around the conference, the only teams with less to go to when it counts are Tech, TCU and West Virginia. Yet somehow we finished 4th.

So for those of you down on Kruger, get a clue. I'm not blasting the players, either. Just pointing out that in close games we're going to struggle because we don't enough guys that can make something happen.

We really need two of the freshman guards (between Buddy, Je'lon and Isaiah) to become more like "play-makers" next season; guys that can create (and make) their own shots. A former coach around here used to say that most players make their biggest improvement between their freshman and sophomore seasons. We need to see some of that next season. I think we will.

Do any of you see potential offensive "play-makers" in this group of freshmen? There is some athleticism there, but it takes more than that.

 

[jerry]

We really need two of the freshman guards (between Buddy, Je'lon and Isaiah) to become more like "play-makers" next season; guys that can create (and make) their own shots. A former coach around here used to say that most players make their biggest improvement between their freshman and sophomore seasons. We need to see some of that next season. I think we will.

Do any of you see potential offensive "play-makers" in this group of freshmen? There is some athleticism there, but it takes more than that.

I think Buddy can be, but he will need to improve his outside shot a bunch to keep defenses honest. He has the athleticism and instincts to be very much a play maker.

 

[AdaSooner]

It's true, Romero is the only go-to player we've got. He's very efficient when our guards are making shots. When they're not, defenses double down to make it more difficult for him to score.

I agree Buddy has the potential to be a go-to guy. Amath has the size and the athleticism, he just lacks the toughness and the handles right now. Hopefully he'll develop those things in the off season. If he does, he could be a match up nightmare.

I was thinking about this when I saw your thread earlier today. When was the last time an OU team had more than one player who fit the description of a go-to guy? I think it may have been when Blake and Willie played together four years ago (or was it five?). Osby was the closest thing we had to a go-to player last year. The year before that, there was no one, zero, zip, nada. How sad it that?

 

[opsooner]

We need more confidence too. We have guys who don't want to shoot when the going gets tough (and are not great shooters). When you have more than one of those on the floor at a time it is not difficult to defend the rest of the team.

 

[KCRuf/Nek]

Mark Gottfried

Who is he and why should I care?

 

[sdcloud9]

I think LK is a great basketball coach but not a great recruiter. Always been a big reason why so many first and second round NCAA losses.

Got to have those big time players that can make plays late in games. Don't have them right now.

 

[MercedeSooner]

It's true, Romero is the only go-to player we've got. He's very efficient when our guards are making shots. When they're not, defenses double down to make it more difficult for him to score.

I agree Buddy has the potential to be a go-to guy. Amath has the size and the athleticism, he just lacks the toughness and the handles right now. Hopefully he'll develop those things in the off season. If he does, he could be a match up nightmare.

I was thinking about this when I saw your thread earlier today. When was the last time an OU team had more than one player who fit the description of a go-to guy? I think it may have been when Blake and Willie played together four years ago (or was it five?). Osby was the closest thing we had to a go-to player last year. The year before that, there was no one, zero, zip, nada. How sad it that?

M'Baye needs to work on his offensive game, his only ability to score right now is right around the basket and a jumper which is unreliable at best. Tough or not he has to live in the gym for the next 6 months if he wants to be a dependable option next year.