This year will be a true team effort

[OUhoops11]

When I watch this team, I see a true team. Pledger is really the only guy who has the ability to go off for 20+ on multiple occasions this year.


We don't have any players who can carry us offensively or defensively. Therefore, the whole team has to contribute in all phases. For instance, when Blake was here, of course it helped to have Austin Johnson to help rebound, but if he didn't, oh well because we all knew Blake was going to have 15 boards.


Look at KU's team last year. If Morningstar was having a good shooting game, then great. But if not, you knew the Morris twins could/would score enough for them to win.


This team obviously does not have a superstar who can get every rebound, score every possession, shut down our opponent's scorer, etc. What we do have is several guys who can put in 8-12 points in any particular game - Neal, Grooms, Fitz, Pledge, Osby, Newell, Clark, etc.


I know this sounds cliche and "captain obvious", but I think we can be a solid team if nearly every player is contributing every night (which, in reality, is almost impossible). What we can't have is a game where Pledge scores 25 while Clark is 2-7 shooting, Osby only has 6 points, Fitz is off, etc. All five guys (with the exception of Arent) have to be able to score on every possession. And I truly think, if we play team basketball, we will have that ability against most teams.


And if there has ever been a coach for team basketball, we have the man for the job.

 

[OUhoops11]

And along these same lines, I think it's obvious from watching the first two games that our roster is full of kids who truly want to be at OU and work hard to get better.


The improvement with every player's game is evident. I'm sure a lot of people deserve credit for that, including the coaches, Szendrei and the players themselves. This improvement has come with a lot of hard work, and I commend and respect all of those responsible for it.


I truly believe we have a roster full of quality individuals, both the coaching staff and the players. Regardless of how the season goes, that makes me proud as an OU alum. Can't wait to watch how this season progresses and the future unfolds.

 

[BoulderSooner]

"have austin johnson help rebound" ... our PG that got what 2 or 3 boards a game?

and osby/clark/fitz will all go for 20 in a game this season .. maybe a couple of times each

 

[25mob]

I know this sounds cliche and "captain obvious", but I think we can be a solid team if nearly every player is contributing every night (which, in reality, is almost impossible). What we can't have is a game where Pledge scores 25 while Clark is 2-7 shooting, Osby only has 6 points, Fitz is off, etc. All five guys (with the exception of Arent) have to be able to score on every possession. And I truly think, if we play team basketball, we will have that ability against most teams.

I might not be fully grasping this part of your statement... which game did this happen in?

 

[boksooner]

I might not be fully grasping this part of your statement... which game did this happen in?

I think he is saying that you can't have a game like that, not that it has happened.

 

[NickZepp]

I think we have 2 guys capable of putting up being scoring nights any night. Clark and Pledger. If Clark can be consistent and play like we've seen him in the preseason that'll be a really big lift for this team. I'm just not sure either Clark or Pleger can be consistent. That may be our downfall this year.