The Wonders of Lon Kruger

[soonerjunky]

When Lon Kruger was announced as the Head Coach of OU, I was excited/optimistic. However, I wasn't sure how he was going to win games with the roster he had. The team went 14-18 the year prior and it was not looking up. We recently had few highly recruited kids and none of them worked out, I thought for sure we were headed down for a while. Kruger's first season he took OU to a 15-16 record, then won 20 or more games for 4 straight seasons. The recruiting is up (I wasnt sure he could recruit) and there isn't a better person/coach I would want to coach my team. I've never heard a single bad thing about Lon Kruger. Even after 1 disappointing season (11-20, 2016-17) the future looks as bright as ever. We have super star freshman (maybe 2) and a bunch of really good players.

Thank you Lon Kruger!

 

[MsProudSooner]

I thought some of the commentator's comments last night were interesting. They talked about how he gives his players, Trae in particular, a lot of freedom while they are in the game. I know it drives some of our fans nuts when he doesn't call timeouts and micromanage the game at times. But by and large, he has been able to find players that thrive in his system.

 

[trueou]

For the life of me, I cannot imagine why anyone who has visions of being a superstar in college basketball would not want to play for Lon. He gives his players freedom to excel. He even adapts the teams' style of play to suit the personnel.

 

[tycat947]

I was a little concerned about his recruiting at first but he’s proving that shouldn’t be a concern. Also, I think before he retires, OU will have given him the best chances to succeed of any of his previous jobs. Kind of a perfect match. Not a classier guy in collegiate basketball.

 

[Chaser728]

When Lon Kruger was announced as the Head Coach of OU, I was excited/optimistic. However, I wasn't sure how he was going to win games with the roster he had. The team went 14-18 the year prior and it was not looking up. We recently had few highly recruited kids and none of them worked out, I thought for sure we were headed down for a while. Kruger's first season he took OU to a 15-16 record, then won 20 or more games for 4 straight seasons. The recruiting is up (I wasnt sure he could recruit) and there isn't a better person/coach I would want to coach my team. I've never heard a single bad thing about Lon Kruger. Even after 1 disappointing season (11-20, 2016-17) the future looks as bright as ever. We have super star freshman (maybe 2) and a bunch of really good players.

Thank you Lon Kruger!

Good post. Tbh I was not really pumped about the hire; I really wanted us to pursue Buzz Williams. Man I am so glad Joe C went after Lon with the full court press! As you said, LK is a quality man who can build/teach up talent. Furthermore, can recruit guys that not only fit his system well, but stars who fit it as well. Long live Lon!!

 

[steverocks35]

I appreciate Lon Kruger's demeanor. When I was in high school I played for a Bob Huggins type. Constantly screaming and yelling. He demeaned everyone. One day in practice I ran a drill wrong and he grabbed me by the throat. We were all miserable every day at practice. He retired and we got a young guy my senior year and it was like a breath of fresh air. He made practice fun and we all wanted to win for him. I imagine that's what it's like to play for Coach Kruger. I will never understand why a high school phenom would want to play for a Bob Huggins type coach.

 

[chuckb]

I thought some of the commentator's comments last night were interesting. They talked about how he gives his players, Trae in particular, a lot of freedom while they are in the game. I know it drives some of our fans nuts when he doesn't call timeouts and micromanage the game at times. But by and large, he has been able to find players that thrive in his system.

This is what makes Kruger a really great and underrated coach. I think it's also what makes OU basketball appealing to recruits like Trae and other top level recruits. He gives them a lot of space and freedom to play and make plays. He's got to be tons of fun to play for.