The Freshmen

[sunny]

Really getting some good playing time and they are playing well. Lon has confidence in them. The most exciting thing to me is that they are fearless.

 

[MNsooner]

Some coaches in the tournament lock down their line-ups and only play experienced guys. Kruger is playing young guys in big games, even guys who haven't been getting consistent time. It shows how much confidence he has in them.

 

[SoonerTraveler]

Win-Win.

Win NCAA tournament games and get the underclassmen NCAA tournament experience in the process.

 

[califca]

Really getting some good playing time and they are playing well. Lon has confidence in them. The most exciting thing to me is that they are fearless.

Most exciting thing to me is that their Freshman!!!

 

[hoopsaustin]

Most exciting thing to me is that their Freshman!!!

Buford mcneace james odomes = next big 4? Fingers crossed.. guess you can count grandstaff too.. big 5? Actually he'll be a freshman. NM

Wish we could have redshirted odomes

 

[AdaSooner]

Most exciting thing to me is that their Freshman!!!

Think about it this way. If you add Woodard and Lattin to the mix, 48 points and 14 rebounds in tonight's game will be back next year.

 

[CoachTalk]

Buford mcneace james odomes = next big 4? Fingers crossed.. guess you can count grandstaff too.. big 5?

Wish we could have redshirted odomes

20/20 hindsight. Staff tried getting him ready just wasn't.

 

[AdaSooner]

20/20 hindsight. Staff tried getting him ready just wasn't.

I'm told the staff is expecting big things from Odomes next year.

 

[MNsooner]

20/20 hindsight. Staff tried getting him ready just wasn't.

He played well early in the season. I think that he'll be read next season. I'm sure he benefited from the staff's efforts. I usually think that redshirts sound better on message boards than in they are in practice.

 

[hoopsaustin]

20/20 hindsight. Staff tried getting him ready just wasn't.

Ya.. and you never know, he may have had an attitude if he had to redshirt and transfer or not work hard.. dude may be even more hungry now leading into the offseason bc he got a taste and saw he wasn't there yet

 

[AdaSooner]

Ya.. and you never know, he may have had an attitude if he had to redshirt and transfer or not work hard.. dude may be even more hungry now leading into the offseason bc he got a taste and saw he wasn't there yet

Based on everything I was told, the opposite is closer to the truth. A contact close to the program told me Rashard has a great attitude and that he is working hard to be part of the rotation next year.

I asked because I was concerned that he might be unhappy and even consider transferring after the season is over. My source assured me that is not the case at all. Our coaches are working to tweak his shot and that he will be ready to contribute next season.

I read a few days ago that he is already one of if not the best backcourt defenders on our roster, and that he gives Buddy fits in practice. If his defense is that good, that alone will make him an important piece to the puzzle nest year. The kid is a deluxe scorer, though. He just didn't adjust to the college game fast enough to play much this season.

EDIT: Now that I've read your post again, I realize you were basically saying the same thing it took me three paragraphs to say.

 

[furge]

I'm told the staff is expecting big things from Odomes next year.

I really want to see what Rashard's finishing ability lends to a go - go offense. If he can get his perimeter shot sorted out, he could be a problem for defenders who can't honor his slashing to deny the jumper. His physical tools are impossible to ignore.