Team leader for next year

[Capel's Mustache]

Painfully obvious this squad lacked a team leader. My guess is younger players deferred to JW and Lattin and it just didn't go according to plan. But never the mind who do you guys think will take over leadership next year?

 

[usedtobe1]

Ironically, that article the other day indicated they look to Dante Buford.

 

[CoachTalk]

Sounds crazy but I'll say young and odomes

 

[Stikboy]

I was at the Disney tournament this last fall for the first two games, and at that time Dante was injured. He was in street clothes interacting with the guys in pre game warm ups both games. It was clear everybody liked him, and he was always joking, smiling, and making guys laugh. But I had no idea that guys looked to him as a team leader. That is one area, based on previous comments from insiders, that I never would have pegged him for. Glad I was wrong. Hopefully, now, he can turn into a player. He has two years left...

 

[scrybe]

I'm not sure that it's painfully obvious to me that this year's team lacked a team leader.

 

[MsProudSooner]

I think what they lacked was a 'go to guy' more than a leader. They aren't necessarily the same thing.

 

[scrybe]

I think what they lacked was a 'go to guy' more than a leader. They aren't necessarily the same thing.

Now that one IS painfully obvious to me.

 

[AdaSooner]

I was at the Disney tournament this last fall for the first two games, and at that time Dante was injured. He was in street clothes interacting with the guys in pre game warm ups both games. It was clear everybody liked him, and he was always joking, smiling, and making guys laugh. But I had no idea that guys looked to him as a team leader. That is one area, based on previous comments from insiders, that I never would have pegged him for. Glad I was wrong. Hopefully, now, he can turn into a player. He has two years left...

Surprised me, too, Stikboy. I said several times throughout the season this team didn't have a leader. It's good to know the players look to Dante for leadership! If he takes that responsibility seriously and works hard in the off season to improve so he can lead more often by example in the way he plays, I see that as a very good thing!

I have already gone on record in saying Trae Young will be a team leader. Forget about his youth and the fact that freshmen don't usually develop into team leaders their first year. His position alone will almost automatically make him a candidate. Combine that with his personality and his self confidence, and he could be the perfect choice as a team leader.

 

[sdcloud9]

Glad to hear that about Dante.

If he can set the example in practice, video, and off the court, that leadership is invaluable for young players.

 

[NorthCarolinaSooner]

I think the lack of a go to scorer was their biggest problem as well. That and PG play....I always liked JWU but always thought he was more of a really small 2 rather than a PG. He always tried wsy too hard to be a scorer off the bounce and took it in traffic too much without a plan when he was cut off.
He was never going to be that ball control, take charge PG they needed to be THE guy. Can Trae do that? He'll definitely be a better scorer I think. He'll be able to possibly be the go to guy and I hope he is. I think his ability to score and stretch the floor will take this group up a notch. We have a team full of really good complimentary players....just lack that one stud to play off of and he might be it.
My concern for next year is more about toughness inside. We have more finesse guys in Lattin and Jamuni. I'm definitely excited about next year for sure.

 

[thebigabd]

Team Leader next year will be Lon Kruger.

 

[chuckb]

I think what they lacked was a 'go to guy' more than a leader. They aren't necessarily the same thing.

I agree. I think next year it might be Young, McGusty, or Lattin. Lattin was really trying to lead during the meltdown Monday night. Maybe being a senior will help him feel more comfortable being that guy next year.

 

[Capel's Mustache]

Went from Buddy love to Buford. Goodness me...I really hope someone else grabs the reigns next year. We got major issues if it's a guy who can't stay out of trouble.

 

[Capel's Mustache]

Team Leader next year will be Lon Kruger.

Just like this year huh?

 

[TheGimper]

Went from Buddy love to Buford. Goodness me...I really hope someone else grabs the reigns next year. We got major issues if it's a guy who can't stay out of trouble.

He's only been in trouble once? Also, didn't Buddy say Cousins was the leader on last year's team and he got in trouble with the cops his freshman year.

I'll never understand why people feel the need to slag players who are, by all accounts, good Sooners and well liked by their teammates.

 

[j2d2]

Neither Lattin nor Woodard are natural leaders. A leader would have been a godsend in one or two of those close games and a go to shooter in a couple of more

 

[sperry]

I've always liked Dante Buford. He's a 6'6" athletic guy with a nice 3 point stroke. There has to be a role a guy with those abilities can fill.

 

[Big Old Booger]

I've always liked Dante Buford. He's a 6'6" athletic guy with a nice 3 point stroke. There has to be a role a guy with those abilities can fill.

I like him when he shoots the 3 point shot, not so much when he drives. He seems to try the big tomahawk dunks and misses it or loses the ball. Against OSU he tried to cup the ball under his arm and also lost the ball.

 

[Stikboy]

i like him when he shoots the 3 point shot, not so much when he drives. He seems to try the big tomahawk dunks and misses it or loses the ball. Against osu he tried to cup the ball under his arm and also lost the ball.

lol

 

[chuckb]

I've always liked Dante Buford. He's a 6'6" athletic guy with a nice 3 point stroke. There has to be a role a guy with those abilities can fill.

This isn't related to his ability to lead, but I don't agree about his athleticism. I don't think he's very athletic at all. Odomes is extremely athletic and is about the same size.