So what changed?

[seniorsooner]

Less than a month ago, we heard from Coach Capel's own mouth that we would not use all of our allotted scholarships on this year's recruiting class. We are now 1 scholarship away from doing so and it appears if Noreen is willing to come here we will take him. So what has changed? Why the change of heart?

Perhaps I'm the only one, but I have some SERIOUS reservations about using all of our scholarships. That will leave us with one scholarship to give for next year's class, unless we have some defections. And while some posters would disagree with me I don't think we should sit back and plan on that happening. If we're recruiting some of these guys with the knowledge or expectation that they won't utilize all of their remaining eligibility at OU then that is a bad way of going about things IMO.

Furthermore, I just feel like to get this program to the level we want to go (competing for the the Big 12 crown) then we're going to need to recruit guys that are better than CJ Washington, Nick Thompson, Ahmed, etc. That's not to take anything away from those guys, hopefully they can fill a role and fill it well, but let's be honest with ourselves here. And with only 1 scholarship to give next year then that's not going to give us much of an opportunity to do that.

 

[CoachTalk]

Agree and Disagree. JC said that he would not use all the allotted scholarships. I think maybe he got a few guys he wasnt planning on getting. I think Newell could be a steal, I think CJ will come in and do some really good things.
I know there has been a lot of bashing... From "diehard" sooner fans. I feel confident in JC and believe he knows what he is doing. A really good team doesnt have to have McAA's or 4 star loaded talent. Look back at what Kelvin did, he didnt have the best kids, he had kids that were lightly recruited, leftovers, JC kids.
I feel like that if we can sprinkle in some 5/4 stars to go along with our "team" kids that we can compete for a Big 12 Championship. I know this year we will struggle at times, but we have gotten back to the kids that want to be OU Sooners, not a place to be while I'm in college.

 

[seniorsooner]

I'm certainly not trying to rip coach Capel. Honestly I am pleased with how recruiting has gone, and I agree that Newell could be a real steal for us. I just don't want to get into a situation in which we have one arm tied behind our back when recruiting for 2011-12.

 

[CoachTalk]

I really understand what you mean. I know if you dont recruit for right now... Then you may not be around when your guys become jr/sr's.
I worry about not being able to go get a guy that we have a really good shot at.. ie Christmas, Goff

 

[thebigabd]

You need 3 really good players and then surround them with role players. Shooters, rebounders, defense guys, etc.

I think Cameron Clark, TJ Taylor, Pledger, and Fitz can be the core guys, then you need to put all the role players around.

At least that was the Kelvin philosophy.

 

[MsProudSooner]

I suspect he thought we wouldn't use all of our 'ships. But this guy had signed a LOI with someone else. The situation changed when he became available again.

 

[CoachTalk]

I still think we end up with Noreen.

 

[Hollisp]

if you dont recruit for right now... Then you may not be around when your guys become jr/sr's.

bingo!

 

[OKURanger]

I think that if Noreen comes to OU, the good of that will be that this group coming in will be together for at least two seasons. If they buy into the concept of TEAM, then what they will produce will be powerful.

With only Cade leaving next year, all JC would need to focus on would be to bring in one difference maker. Someone with an extraordinary skill set that will come in, mesh with an already solid and complete team, and bring something to the team that the group doesn't have. I don't know what that something is, but it would sure make recruiting a lot easier as well as allow Capel to focus on being a coach.

 

[scrybe]

Why in the name of everything good and holy would a coach pass on an opportunity to sign kids like Newell, Noreen, or even Neal? I'd rather add what by all accounts are high caliber/high character players when the opportunity to do so presents itself.

Hanging on to some of these scholarships might seem like the prudent thing to do, but it could amount to "holding onto your ticket 'til the show's over," which, as I recall, has got us into trouble in the past.

 

[Hollisp]

Even with a full load of scholarships. We all know that someone or more than 1 will leave, it just seems to happen to most schools these days. So, I think when it all unfolds you have to recruit for today and then see what plays out after that and realize that more than likely you will have more than one scholarship to give out.

 

[seniorsooner]

Looks like Arkansas might be in on Noreen:

Kirk's Korner: Noreen to visit
05/13/2010 HawgSports.com
Arkansas' search for a big man has taken them to Minnesota in hopes of landing Minneapolis Transitions Charter's Kevin Noreen. Come inside to find out what Noreen has to say about visiting, find out about another potential visitor, a possible transfer and the latest word from the NBA Draft.

 

[dubyac]

i think it means he goes really hard to fill that 1 ship we will have available next year... and he really spends lots of time on the 2012, 2013, and 2014 groups... gets in early with some of those guys and maybe we have a better chance with some of the higher rated guys out of those classes...

 

[scrybe]

http://recruiting.arkansasonline.com/index.php/2010/05/12/hoop-prospect-to-visit/

Here's a link to some information that came out yesterday (Wednesday). Confirms what seniorsooner reported.

 

[campbest]

If I had to make a bet, would put money on there being more than one schollie open next year.

 

[AdaSooner]

I'm not worried about using all of our ships this year. I believe we've seen a change (an overdue one I might add) in Coach Capel's philosophy regarding players on scholarship at OU.

The departure of the three burger boys (yes, I know there were extenuating circumstances in each case) without much fanfare, crying or gnashing of teeth was the first sign. Ray and the Big O's decision to transfer was an even stronger signal. I realize there were reasons the last two are no longer on our roster. But anyone who thinks their inability to contribute much after two years at OU didn't play a part in their departure is kidding themselves.

I believe the message is clear: If you want to be on a basketball scholarship at OU, you will do the right things on and off the court, as well as prove you deserve a free education by competing hard to earn your way. In other words, anyone who has not proven their worth at the end of next season will not be on the roster in 2011. Thus, those extra ships will be there if we need them.

I could be wrong about everything I just said. But I think the days of a "joy ride" on OU men's basketball team are over. Maybe that's just wishful thinking on my part.

 

[MichSooner]

I think you live for today and get players who you think can help you and compete at the level you need to be at. Jeff does not have the luxury of keeping his gunpowder dry and saving ships for next year. If, for example, he can sign Noreen, then he should do so - like yesterday.

I agree completely that you do not need a bunch of superstars. You need a couple of really good players. Then around them you have guys who who cut their left testicle off to get a rebound or defend like they were protecting a valuable family secret. Nobody except a few teams has a team full of superstars. That model of getting a bunch of prima donna burger boys just did not work well for us. I am not, though, including Blake Griffin in those comments.

Things work out. Everyone Jeff signs may not stick. If we can get Noreen, I suspect that we will still be able to sign two players (at least) next year.

 

[seniorsooner]

Good points everyone. I can't say that I disagree.

 

[trueou]

I think when you are down to 6 scholarship players you really have to turn on the recruiting jets. Once you get the super tanker steaming away with momentum it is hard to shut it down or turn on a dime. When you are concerned that you may not be able to field a competitive team you pull out all stops and you can't slow play recruits. If you try those games you may end up with no one worthwhile.

Capel has done a great job of re-stocking the pantry. Let's just concentrate on this next year and the improvement of the team. No need to borrow trouble from next year. Things seem to work out for coaches who work hard. To go from the point of where fans were crying about how we wouldn't have a team next year to complaining that we are too rich shows what hard work can do.

 

[NickZepp]

When you have as many players leave as we had last year we need to hope for the best that we can keep everyone but prepare for the worst that players leave. But some of these guys can impact and will play a lot obviously. This way we can have guys leave but be okay with it because we will have a core group of guys that can play.