OU @ KU 3:30 CST on CBS

[Soonerinkc]

And the timing of swallowed whistles. There were several key KU fouls that were blatant but went uncalled. Toby and Kevin Henry were really carping about the officiating n the first half, but as Toby stated, it always happens in Lawrence.

I was very proud of the guys today. They played their butts off.

Of course Manek and Hill would have helped us. It was a hardfought game, a tough one to play shorthanded, and we had key guys in foul trouble. The minutes and extra fouls they could have provided (if nothing else) would have been very valuable.

Yup... that was my point... timing, either the +1 for them or the no call against us..

 

[Soonerinkc]

So, Just curious about today’s game... obviously manek and hill are intricately woven into the team... chemistry etc...

But, maybe addition by subtraction today? Other guys felt the “need” to step up with those two out?

Just thoughts... sometimes that happens. Def thought our overall def was much more... intense?

Living in the heart of ku country I get tired of their constant better than thou attitude.

 

[skyvue]

I think there's definitely something to the idea of the team coming together and stepping it up when they face adversity (as in losing two important players) and also, possibly, the opponent letting down a bit. We've certainly seen that phenomenon before.

 

[WaymanFan]

That was the best defensive effort I have seen from OU in a long time. Let's see if we can take this momentum in effort and apply it to upcoming opponents. For once, I'd like to think that a game in Lawrence was the turning point of our season in a positive way.

On the flip side, for next year (assuming the seniors don't return), I have no idea where we will get our offense from.

 

[AdaSooner]

That was the best defensive effort I have seen from OU in a long time. Let's see if we can take this momentum in effort and apply it to upcoming opponents. For once, I'd like to think that a game in Lawrence was the turning point of our season in a positive way.

On the flip side, for next year (assuming the seniors don't return), I have no idea where we will get our offense from.

Gibson will be in our top three scorers, and he may lead the team in scoring. Lon described him as a self-starter who is in the gym working out and working on his game at every opportunity. Buddy Hield came to mind as I listened to the interview yesterday.

Victor appears to have the desire and the work ethic to develop his offensive game. So does Jalen Hill. Harmon has the potential to be in our top three in scoring. His offensive game has come a long way since last year. He just needs to be more consistent. Harkless has a chance to contribute to our offense if that part of his game catches up to his defense. Last but certainly not least is the best pure shooter on our roster, Trey Phipps. I’m still high on him.

I have no idea what to expect from Issanza and Garang? And, as you correctly asked, will any of our seniors exercise their option to return next year? I suppose there is also the possibility of a grad transfer. Obviously, there are lots of unanswered questions at the moment.

 

[mict085]

We really need to string some wins together. I think this team has a chance to win 9 conference games, but we can’t stub our toe against the likes of ISU or ksu or any winnable games. There are plenty of tough games, but we can’t be giving away winnable games against lesser talented teams.

 

[AdaSooner]

We really need to string some wins together. I think this team has a chance to win 9 conference games, but we can’t stub our toe against the likes of ISU or ksu or any winnable games. There are plenty of tough games, but we can’t be giving away winnable games against lesser talented teams.

Play with the intensity and defense like we saw yesterday, and this team is capable of winning all of the home games on our schedule and most of the road games. Get complacent and sleepwalk through playing defense again, and all bets are off.

 

[scrybe]

Just wondering: Has the narrative of Austin Reaves as a selfish, me-first player finally been put to rest? Or has it simply gone into temporary hibernation until he eventaully has a subpar performance?

I'll hang up and listen.

 

[WichitaSooner]

Just wondering: Has the narrative of Austin Reaves as a selfish, me-first player finally been put to rest? Or has it simply gone into temporary hibernation until he eventaully has a subpar performance?

I'll hang up and listen.

Surely the latter. Only player in America averaging 16, 5.5, and 5. But he is one bad game away from being blamed for everything that is wrong with Sooner basketball (well, other than all the things Lon messes up). I do wonder, though, how many folks still think it is laughable that he was named first team all conference in preseason. But those who said that was only because the league isn’t any good and only had a couple good players are clearly right.

 

[AdaSooner]

Surely the latter. Only player in America averaging 16, 5.5, and 5. But he is one bad game away from being blamed for everything that is wrong with Sooner basketball (well, other than all the things Lon messes up). I do wonder, though, how many folks still think it is laughable that he was named first team all conference in preseason. But those who said that was only because the league isn’t any good and only had a couple good players are clearly right.

Maybe it’s his name. Do you remember Austin Johnson? Reaves is the most criticized player in OU history since AJ.

All AJ did was play out of position when OU needed a point guard. He played through pain from a multitude of injuries. Somehow, he played well, too. But that didn’t stop the critics.

Our two Austins have a lot in common!

 

[BCSooners]

Maybe it’s his name. Do you remember Austin Johnson? Reaves is the most criticized player in OU history since AJ.

All AJ did was play out of position when OU needed a point guard. He played through pain from a multitude of injuries. Somehow, he played well, too. But that didn’t stop the critics.

Our two Austins have a lot in common!

That might have something to do with it. If someone on the team was named Stillwater I might hate them.

 

[scrybe]

They shoulda considered changing their names to Austin Sucks and Austin Blows.

Woulda been loudly cheered from the player introductions to the final buzzer.