Spangler likes what he has seen in Bennett so far

[AdaSooner]

The headline in newsok's Big 12 basketball notebook this morning said the Thomas decision is crucial for OU this season. That's a given everyone would agree on.

What caught my eye is a quote Ryan Spangler made about D. J. Bennett. Bennett could be a key to our success this season, especially if Thomas is not eligible. Spangler seems to think he is up to the task. Sure hope he's right:

Forward Ryan Spangler said he’s seen a vast improvement in Bennett’s game since last season.

“He’s always been athletic but I think his mind is what’s gotten better,” Spangler said. “This year, it’s kind of slowed down for him. In practice, he’s way better already than he has been in the past. He’s remembering plays and is just more confident now.”

http://newsok.com/big-12-basketball-notebook-tashawn-thomas-decision-crucial-for-ou/article/5356756

 

[WTSooner]

It shouldn't take a year to "remember plays".

When I read stuff like that about a basketball player, I just shake my head.

I think Bennett will probably look better in some ways, but I think he will still be an offensive liability. Still hoping Thomas gets to play, which makes Bennett's offense more of a moot point.

 

[jerry]

It shouldn't take a year to "remember plays".

When I read stuff like that about a basketball player, I just shake my head.

I think Bennett will probably look better in some ways, but I think he will still be an offensive liability. Still hoping Thomas gets to play, which makes Bennett's offense more of a moot point.

Yeah I agree. Thomas this year is what we need.

 

[skyvue]

I think Bennett will probably look better in some ways, but I think he will still be an offensive liability. Still hoping Thomas gets to play, which makes Bennett's offense more of a moot point.

I doubt any Sooner fan is hoping Thomas' waiver request gets denied; we all want to see him on the floor this season. But I'm not prepared to write off Bennett, and I don't think anyone else should either.

We've all seen players for whom the light suddenly switched on, and if that happens with Bennett, those who doubt him will be cheering him as loudly as the rest of us.

So I say a wait-and-see attitude approach is in order. Why write the guy off before his senior year has even started?

 

[WTSooner]

So I say a wait-and-see attitude approach is in order. Why write the guy off before his senior year has even started?

I might be wrong, just voicing my opinion. I didn't dog the guy, I said I expected the other aspects of his game to be improved. Just didn't see a lot of offensive skills out of him last year. Plenty of big men graduated from OU not being much of a threat on offense. No shame in that if that is his game.

 

[SoonerBounce13]

I see a lot of potential in him. I thought you should have got more playing time last year

 

[AdaSooner]

I see a lot of potential in him. I thought you should have got more playing time last year

Agreed. I thought Bennett looked good at times last year. If he makes the jump from his junior to his senior season, typical of most juco players, he could be a real asset, especially if Thomas's waiver is not approved.

Spangler seems to think he is much improved this year. He should know, he sees a lot more of D. J. than all of us put together.