Stevie Clark and OU part ways?!?!

[soonerczech]

I agree with this 100%. I didn't understand the " work on handles" part either

I've watched him up close several times and he really didn't do anything to impress me with his ball-handling skills. Maybe he wasn't trying, I don't know. All I know is I sat there and watched him jack up 3 after 3 when he probably could have tried to drive the hoop. There wasn't a ton of size stopping him. I also saw officials essentially let games turn into wrestling matches (which I guess was Douglas' version of pressure D) and tons of break-away layups. Everybody is entitled to their opinion, but I really just don't see how he would fit into Kruger's style. I think he will get swallowed up by larger defenders in college unless he's running. Things aren't going to get easier by adding WV to the mix and Huggie ball. He definitely isn't this guy:hollis754:.

 

[jmizzy4ou]

I've watched him up close several times and he really didn't do anything to impress me with his ball-handling skills. Maybe he wasn't trying, I don't know. All I know is I sat there and watched him jack up 3 after 3 when he probably could have tried to drive the hoop. There wasn't a ton of size stopping him. I also saw officials essentially let games turn into wrestling matches (which I guess was Douglas' version of pressure D) and tons of break-away layups. Everybody is entitled to their opinion, but I really just don't see how he would fit into Kruger's style. I think he will get swallowed up by larger defenders in college unless he's running. Things aren't going to get easier by adding WV to the mix and Huggie ball. He definitely isn't this guy:hollis754:.

Fair enough. I believe he will have to grow as a player, like most HS stars do. I also believe he has the tools to be a great SCORING PG. Of course he relies on his speed right now, but IMO he will learn to control the game. I just believe the kid has that something special. I guess time will tell.....

 

[AdaSooner]

Fair enough. I believe he will have to grow as a player, like most HS stars do. I also believe he has the tools to be a great SCORING PG. Of course he relies on his speed right now, but IMO he will learn to control the game. I just believe the kid has that something special. I guess time will tell.....

I'm with you, jmizzy. I can't deny that I'm disappointed by the news that Stevie and OU have decided to go in separate directions. But I'm not about to use that as a reason to go back on what I've said in the past few months. I believe Stevie Clark could be a star in the right system. His ability to knock down threes from the next county alone will make him special in today's perimeter-oriented college game.

The biggest question I have is will his size put him at a disadvantage on defense against bigger and equally-as-quick college guards? I also think there may be some question as to whether he can be effective as a point guard at the next level? Kids who shoot as much as he did during his high school career, need the ball in their hands, a lot. Can he adjust to shooting less and passing more in college? IMO, the jury is still out on that one.

 

[brettromar]

I've watched him up close several times and he really didn't do anything to impress me with his ball-handling skills. Maybe he wasn't trying, I don't know. All I know is I sat there and watched him jack up 3 after 3 when he probably could have tried to drive the hoop. There wasn't a ton of size stopping him. I also saw officials essentially let games turn into wrestling matches (which I guess was Douglas' version of pressure D) and tons of break-away layups. Everybody is entitled to their opinion, but I really just don't see how he would fit into Kruger's style. I think he will get swallowed up by larger defenders in college unless he's running. Things aren't going to get easier by adding WV to the mix and Huggie ball. He definitely isn't this guy:hollis754:.

I disagree, I see a lot in common with him. In my opinion Clark is better off the dribble as well. They are the same height but Clark is thicker.

Hollis was a stud, and we will only see if Clark is at his level in college.

I have seen this kid play big time talent and get to the basketball when he wanted to.

I understand and respect what your opinion, this is just one that I don't agree with at all.

 

[jmizzy4ou]

I disagree, I see a lot in common with him. In my opinion Clark is better off the dribble as well. They are the same height but Clark is thicker.

Hollis was a stud, and we will only see if Clark is at his level in college.

I have seen this kid play big time talent and get to the basketball when he wanted to.

I understand and respect what your opinion, this is just one that I don't agree with at all.

This is what I see as well. Douglas has pretty much steam rolled everyone in the state for the last few yrs. Outside of the state, at some elite tourneys and camps, Stevie has matched up against some top tier players, and he always holds his own, and even dominated many times. I have seen his ability to get past guys with ease, and he is a knockdown shooter.

The biggest questions I have are mirrors of what Ada said: Can he defend D-1 guards, and how tough is he??? I believe he will continue to develop, and his areas of concern will be developed.....

 

[Sam]

The biggest questions I have are mirrors of what Ada said: Can he defend D-1 guards, and how tough is he??? I believe he will continue to develop, and his areas of concern will be developed.....

I wouldn't worry about toughness, but defense is a legitimate beef. Clark hasn't had to play good tough defense on anybody in his high school and really AAU career because he's always been the offensive guy. I think he's competitive enough to learn, but right now he's not a good defendet. He's a Jimmer type that a coach would hide because he knows he can bring it in on offense (that's why a kid like Woodard is more college ready, he's the whole package (running a system, playing defense etc).)

The development debate is why I laugh when people assume Clark would get better playing the average Douglass schedule than a prep school schedule. If he doesn't get to play in out of state tournaments with Douglass, he's just going to be going against conference and 4A competition that he's already proven that he's better than.

What good does it for his college development to chill and pull 35 footers against Oklahoma kids that he already knows he can get to the tin anytime he wants to?

It would've been better if he went to a more established prep school, but I respect his decision to leave his comfort zone and challenge himself.

Also, lol at anybody questioning his handles. I was going through some Douglass films the other day and caught myself slowmoing the moves he did with the ball to get by kids. Are his handles amazing and 1 type stuff? Nah, but in no way are they a weakness.

 

[seniorsooner]

We loved Stevie but he and his family have chosen to play the dark side of college basketball. LK doesn't and won't do it. We aren't recruiting him.

If true, adios.

 

[Mr.B!!!]

I recall that thread actually, and as I remember it was quite a low point for that board...lets not repeat it over here please...

By request: Big Al interviewed a new incoming coach by the name of Jeff Capel, needless to say "shockingly" drinking and strippers were part of the conversation. You can have whatever opinion you want on the job Capel did at OU, but that interview was disrespectful on all levels and an embarrassment to any fan and alumni of the University of Oklahoma and I said as much on a message board.

In response, Al's son "The Gimper" took offense to me saying as much and within four hours Big Al, Dean the Stream and Trabes' were calling me out on air and labeling all message board posters as yellow trash, with Big Al ready to fight. I'm 41, have a doctorate and life has been a blast, but I still consider one of the most awesome days ever as far as laughs.

FWIW, at the time I was in the middle of training for amateur MMA fights at 6'2 dropping weight to 185 [not an internet tough guy, just where I was at the time and imagining the "brawl" Al and I would have had] . Seven years later, I'm probably vulnerable to the Traber Charge, the Dean Stream or the Escbach clutch, but it still cracks me up getting challenged to a fight on air.

Gimp you've clearly grown up, and I've completely quit listening to sports radio. I'm sorry I disrespected your dad, I would have been upset too. I'll quit ribbing you for it.

 

[Romulus]

I did find it odd the other day when Al was laughing how Blake Griffin chose the Clippers over the Lakers and Westbrook chose the Thunder over the Lakers. I know he hates the Lakers but don't make an arse out of yourself.

 

[jmizzy4ou]

I wouldn't worry about toughness, but defense is a legitimate beef. Clark hasn't had to play good tough defense on anybody in his high school and really AAU career because he's always been the offensive guy. I think he's competitive enough to learn, but right now he's not a good defendet. He's a Jimmer type that a coach would hide because he knows he can bring it in on offense (that's why a kid like Woodard is more college ready, he's the whole package (running a system, playing defense etc).)

The development debate is why I laugh when people assume Clark would get better playing the average Douglass schedule than a prep school schedule. If he doesn't get to play in out of state tournaments with Douglass, he's just going to be going against conference and 4A competition that he's already proven that he's better than.

What good does it for his college development to chill and pull 35 footers against Oklahoma kids that he already knows he can get to the tin anytime he wants to?

It would've been better if he went to a more established prep school, but I respect his decision to leave his comfort zone and challenge himself.

Also, lol at anybody questioning his handles. I was going through some Douglass films the other day and caught myself slowmoing the moves he did with the ball to get by kids. Are his handles amazing and 1 type stuff? Nah, but in no way are they a weakness.

Good stuff Sam. :clap:clap

 

[Capel's Mustache]

We loved Stevie but he and his family have chosen to play the dark side of college basketball. LK doesn't and won't do it. We aren't recruiting him.

Care to "illuminate"..ok bad joke, but seriously, have they been asking for scrilla?