Practice 10/26

garyeb2

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They brought in outside refs and were on the main floor for a series of 5 minute games. A decent crowd drifted in and the kids put on a good show.

Kruger was coaching the reds and Henson the whites. Kruger's team was Hornbeak, Buddy, Cousins, Cam, and Spangler. Henson countered with Woodard, Booker, Tyler, CJ, and Hamilton. In the 1st 5 minute game Buddy went for 9 pts., Cam had 6, and Spangler added a 3 pointer. The reds popped them 18 to 5. On the white's first trip down Booker bombed in a long 3 and on their second trip some one blew a rotation and CJ got loose for a back door cut. Kruger called time and from that point forward the reds pitched a shutout.

For the second 5 minute game Kruger brought in Woodard and Tyler for Hornbeak and Cam. If everyone were healthy, that substitution would have probably been Woodard and Bennett. The reds won again, but is was more competitive. After the second game the lineups were more mixed and matched.

For the day it was the Buddy and Cam show. Not a lot of Cam's scoring came from the floor. He was really aggressive getting to the rim and was at the free throw line a lot. Spangler was really good on both ends of the court and was probably the 3rd leading scorer.

Hornbeak had a nice practice. Cousins was pretty quiet today. I only recall him taking 5 shots and he made 3. He did lead the team in fouls today. That is something that he needs to get cleaned up. Woodard keeps proving the same thing over and over. If the defender drifts off for just a moment, Woodard will be at the rim in a blink of an eye.

Tyler and Cole had their moments today. For the Booker fans, my count had him at 3 for 10 from 3 pt. range. He is starting to learn to use a ball fake to get defenders in the air. He made three nice drives to the basket off that move today. I still don't know how much help Hamilton is going to be. But, for the other players it is like trying to play basketball with a moving brick wall on the court. I'm a little concerned that he is going to hurt some one.

Buford was at practice both yesterday and today. He is a good looking prospect. He appears to be a legit 6'7" and has broad shoulders and a sturdy frame for a high school kid. He seems to be really enjoying himself and walked in to practice today wearing all OU gear. I don't know if that means anything or not.

It is my understanding that Bennett's rehab is coming along well. There is still a good chance he could be back at practice 2/3 days before the Alabama game.

On a side note. It is my understanding that the concept of any kind of official red/white game or scrimmage is history. There won't be anything like that this season and nothing is planned going forward. If a situation were to exist that the team was coming off a good tournament run and there were several fan favorite type players returning, and interest was high enough that 7/8000 fans could be expected and they could get several recruits lined up, then they might put something like that on. Past that. Practice is open every day, everyone is always welcome. I'm kind of on board with that.
 
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On a side note. It is my understanding that the concept of any kind of official red/white game or scrimmage is history. There won't be anything like that this season and nothing is planned going forward. If a situation were to exist that the team was coming off a good tournament run and there were several fan favorite type players returning, and interest was high enough that 7/8000 fans could be expected and they could get several recruits lined up, then they might put something like that on. Past that. Practice is open every day, everyone is always welcome. I'm kind of on board with that.

Thanks for the report, which is good and interesting, as always.

If you are referring to some sort of "midnight madness" event in your last paragraph (no matter what time of day), I agree. My experience over many years with attempts at these at OU is one of disappointment. The lack of attendance and enthusiasm at these past "events" or "scrimmages" defeats the entire purpose, IMHO.

As you have repeatedly pointed out, ALL practices and scrimmages are OPEN to the public. That is the best deal going. Much better than some single "special event" that is lightly attended.
 
Another great report, Gary. Much appreciated! :clap

I got a little giddy when I read this part. I realize that seeing Buford in all OU gear may not mean much. But if the weekend ends with back to back commitments from two high-profile recruits in the same week, my old heart may not be able to handle it.

Buford was at practice both yesterday and today. He is a good looking prospect. He appears to be a legit 6'7" and has broad shoulders and a sturdy frame for a high school kid. He seems to be really enjoying himself and walked in to practice today wearing all OU gear. I don't know if that means anything or not.
 
not sure it means Buford is a lock to OU.

but you'd certainly rather see him in OU gear the whole weekend, than not.
 
Gary, thanks for taking the time to post your practice summaries. It's very much appreciated. I get excited every time I see a new report.
 
Add Buford and this class would start to look very nice.
 
The Crystal Ball guys don't think we have a shot. Sooner-Bred thinks we have a better shot than some think. SC getting the last visit and distance would seem to be two concerns. I see how some of these guys berate their players like the SC coach Frank something and Bob Huggins, and I wonder how they ever get a recruit over such a positive classy guy like Lon.
 
The Crystal Ball guys don't think we have a shot. Sooner-Bred thinks we have a better shot than some think. SC getting the last visit and distance would seem to be two concerns. I see how some of these guys berate their players like the SC coach Frank something and Bob Huggins, and I wonder how they ever get a recruit over such a positive classy guy like Lon.

Kids respond to different things. I assure you Lon lets the kids have it time to time! I think we have a shot at burford. Mcneace and lattin are helping!
 
Not to be picky, but it's Buford, not Burford.
 
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