OUHoops Roundtable #2: The most important player for the Sooners

[GParker]

The question for this roundtable is which player is most important to Oklahoma's success this year. Not the MVP type as at this time the main front runner is Senior guard Cade Davis given his experience in the Big 12 and his stats from last year. This is a player who might not have the complete package or does not always stand out on the stat sheet but his contributions are vital for a winning season.

Click here for the OUHoops' staff take on this.

 

[thebigabd]

I went with Andrew Fitzgerald.... He absolutely HAS to be a double figure scorer and pull down 5-7 rebounds per game for OU to have a better year than projected.

 

[Sooner23]

I went with Andrew Fitzgerald.... He absolutely HAS to be a double figure scorer and pull down 5-7 rebounds per game for OU to have a better year than projected.

Agreed. I went with Fitz for the reasons you stated. Thompson would be a close second.

 

[cowboysooner]

I say it is whoever ends up being the point guard. Easily the most important position. If we get good defensive point play and decent offensive point play from someone, then we might beat projections. So I guess my choice would be either Newell, Taylor or Blair.

 

[boksooner]

I went with Fitz, too, but I think people are overlooking Pledger. He has a shot at being the leading scorer and a solid defender.

 

[Tony]

I'm not sure what my opinion is on this one.

I've been thinking about it, and I just don't know.

 

[Krugerfan52]

I went with Thompson. He's the tallest player on our roster that will likely be playing big minutes. He may be guarding the center on most teams many nights. He will have to rebound and provide scoring.

In my mind our biggest question mark/potential weakness is inside. Rebounding and post scoring. We know what Fitzgerald is. Hopefully he's improved. But we don't know what kind of player Thompson will be. If he's able to do those things we have a chance at a good season. If he's a small forward that can only stand in the corner and shoot threes, then he will be little help and we will won't be able to compete inside.

Cam Clark would be a distant 3rd. In my mind more important players than Cam would be at the PG spot. Blair or Newell. PG and big men are my concerns. We have wings and our only senior plays the same position as Cam, so I'm not worried about his contributions this year. Next year it will be important that he score double figures with Cade gone. But this year he's the least of my worries.

 

[j2d2]

Whoever winds up being the point guard.

 

[Sam]

I really think big Nick is going to be the type who just quietly goes about his business and consistently have 8 point, 5 rebound, 3 assists type games while his actually contribution is much more than just numbers.

 

[Edmond_Sooner]

I voted for Cam...

why?

because i believe for them to prove they are a force to be reckoned with they need one elite player to step up...and from all accounts of fans on here he has the tools to be that guy...

it's a lot of pressure for a Freshman but this whole team has a lot of pressure on it...

 

[OULad]

I went with Cam Clark with Fitzgerald a close 2nd. We need Clark to be a stud, and we need some sort of presence underneath the basket.

 

[Mr.B!!!]

I went with Thompson.

If he can prove to be a true, inside outside threat, it will make life much easier for the other post out there with him and open up lanes. More importantly, if he is a vocal leader, it would be more effective if he was also a solid player as there is NOTHING worse in sports IMHO than a guy who is vocal but has no game.

 

[Max Power]

I went with Thompson.

If he can prove to be a true, inside outside threat, it will make life much easier for the other post out there with him and open up lanes. More importantly, if he is a vocal leader, it would be more effective if he was also a solid player as there is NOTHING worse in sports IMHO than a guy who is vocal but has no game.

This is also why I went with Thompson.

 

[MNsooner]

I went with Fitz. I think Cam Clark will be good, but if Fitz isn't consistent then I think we may not have any consistent post production. No post-presence in the Big XII has alway been a killer just ask Baylor the difference between post play make to a team. They went from mediocre/bad to impressive simply by adding Udoh. Fitz doesn't need to be Udoh for us to be better than people think, but he does need to lead us in rebounds and score with some consistency.

 

[CMSOONER]

I chose Thompson. We know how the returning players play and what they bring to the table it's just at what level. I feel the same about Cam and TJ. But Thompson is a kid who has the height and from all reports the skillset this team needs to get production inside. So whether he brings it or not is what I feel is the most important factor for this season, making him the most important player.

 

[BigTime]

I selected Fitzgerald. I just think that this team only goes as far as his rebounding and low post scoring will take us.

:fitz80s:

 

[dubyac]

I say it is whoever ends up being the point guard. Easily the most important position. If we get good defensive point play and decent offensive point play from someone, then we might beat projections. So I guess my choice would be either Newell, Taylor or Blair.

totally agree with this assessment...

 

[bocabull]

I just have to laugh at Cameron Clark being described as a non MVP type who might not have a complete set of tools.

Capel just said this week that other than Blake Griffin that Clark is the best freshman he's had.

Also lol @ Cade Davis being the front runner for MVP. If he is our best player we might be 0-16 in the Big XII.

 

[luckyc1423]

I just have to laugh at Cameron Clark being described as a non MVP type who might not have a complete set of tools.

Capel just said this week that other than Blake Griffin that Clark is the best freshman he's had.

Also lol @ Cade Davis being the front runner for MVP. If he is our best player we might be 0-16 in the Big XII.

I agree, if cade is our best player we are in for a rough season...Cade is an energy guy and thats what he will bring....I dont foresee him being our best player so I think we will be fine

 

[boksooner]

Most important player is not the same thing as the best player. Cade can be the most important player and be the 3rd or 4th best player on the team.