Shepherd's rise reason for optimism for Sooners

[OUHoops]

https://newsok.com/ou-mens-basketball-shepherds-rise-reason-for-optimism-for-sooners/article/5532888

 

[Stikboy]

Why not try this lineup:

Shepherd--McGusty--Doolittle--Lattin--McNeace

Doolittle plays more like a 3(wing) than a 4. He passes well, drives well, shoots well.. but doesn't seem overly comfortable on the inside part of being a 4. Moving Lattin to the 4 would allow him to utilize his so called new scoring flexibility. He looks uncomfortable being the main guy inside, and Muni's inside moves around the basket have been better. You would have 3 guards that can shoot outside, drive, and pass. The size would be great inside with great interior shotblocking, and overall. James looked good coming off the bench that one game. Odomes seems like the perfect high energy 6 man that can play great D and bring some buckets. Freeman backup up 4 and 5. And why not give McGusty a chance, everyone else has gotten one? At this point, Woodard's out and OU isn't making the tourney. Keep trying different things. Who knows, you might find something you can build on?

 

[okhoops918]

he was 1-5, 2 pts, 2 reb, 2 assists, and 4 TO vs baylor in 27 minutes vs Baylor at home.

Im missing the optimism part

 

[CMSOONER]

Doolittle plays more like a 3(wing) than a 4. He passes well, drives well, shoots well.. but doesn't seem overly comfortable on the inside part of being a 4. Moving Lattin to the 4 would allow him to utilize his so called new scoring flexibility. He looks uncomfortable being the main guy inside, and Muni's inside moves around the basket have been better.

He shouldn't be uncomfortable at the 4. He was mainly a post player his entire high school career. I think he's still adjusting to the college level. And if I remember correctly he was brought in to be more of a wing player.

 

[AdaSooner]

he was 1-5, 2 pts, 2 reb, 2 assists, and 4 TO vs baylor in 27 minutes vs Baylor at home.

Im missing the optimism part

Shepherd scored 18 points, going 6 of 14 from the field (2 of 4 from three) in the Memphis game. He was also a perfect 4 of 4 from the free throw line, while adding 2 rebounds 2 assist, a block and a steal. He followed that game with 13 points on 4 of 8 shooting from the field (1 of 2 from three) and another perfect 4 of 4 from the stripe in the Auburn game. He also had 3 assists, 1 block and a steal.

If that's not enough to convince you there is a reason to be optimistic about a freshman who started the last three games but played very little in the previous 13, I don't know what else to say? True, he didn't perform as well against Baylor. No one did in case you missed the beating OU took. But, Jordan Shepherd has been one of only a few bright spots on this team lately. He may not be ready for prime time against a team like Baylor. There is definitely a reason to believe he could be in time.

 

[coolm]

he was 1-5, 2 pts, 2 reb, 2 assists, and 4 TO vs baylor in 27 minutes vs Baylor at home.

Im missing the optimism part

We're optimistic those numbers go up. how do you miss that?

 

[usedtobe1]

Why not try this lineup:

Shepherd--McGusty--Doolittle--Lattin--McNeace

I don't particularly like it. Lattin or McNeace have to play the 5, and both have a tendency to get into foul trouble. If one of them gets into early foul trouble, then the other one will have to play extended minutes instead of coming in fresh off the bench. I also don't think Freeman is ready to be a strong post defender .... and I personally think defense is just as important as offense, and people tend to overlook it.

I think Christian James has to start and play extended minutes. He and Woodard are our "go to" players this season. He just has to learn to stay out of foul trouble.

I think there may be some merit in McGusty or Odomes. McGusty is instant offense whereas Odomes is our best defender and driver. Odomes and Woodard have been our best, most consistent players this year IMHO so I'm a little hesitant to take him out of the lineup .... but he hurts us on the perimeter. It depends on the situation and whether they need offense or defense.

Of course, i think Kruger wants to play Woodard and James at the wing ... when and if Woodard comes back.

Doolittle at the 4 because he might be our best player in a year or 2, but like with McGusty and Odomes, you could play Freeman for offense and Doolittle for defense and rebounding..... remember I like defense and potential so I would start Doolittle.

Assuming Woodard plays:

Sheperd PG, James, Woodard, Doolittle/Freeman, Lattin

Without Woodard:

Sheperd, James, Odomes, Doolittle, Lattin