Thoughts on AK

[BigTime]

Moves really well for a man his size. Goes up and get rebounds. That was an athletic play on the block. Can't wait to see what he can do as he gets back into shape.

Your thoughts?

 

[SoonerTraveler]

Coach Kruger .. On the decision to play Akolda Manyang:
“It was almost unfair to throw him out there as he really hasn’t played in four months. This week he practiced each day and he’s been healthy and he said he wanted to give it a try. He’ll be fine. He can do a lot more things in practice that he hadn’t been able to do.”

Hoping AK stays healthy. He has the potential to be a difference maker on defense this year, and he has the tools to develop his game over two seasons at OU.

 

[OUHoops]

Six seconds of AK:

https://vine.co/v/iuEWBu57zmT

 

[AdaSooner]

AK is a long, athletic big with great foot work for a 7 footer. He can jump, too. Anyone who said he may be a "project" when it comes to defense, rebounding and blocking shots was wrong. I don't know about scoring? But I see no reason why he can't at least give us some offense on put backs and shots in close to the basket.

He learned quickly last night that with the way the games are being called this season, he can't rush out to guard someone and put himself in a position to pick up fouls. The slightest bump or touch with the hands are going to get you in foul trouble.

On the whole I was pleased with what I saw. AK is going to really help us this season when he gets into playing shape.

 

[campbest]

He's not in game shape, so really unfair to judge him at this point. You can tell he hasn't played a ton of basketball in a competitive environment over the past six months. It's also McNeese State, maybe one of the worst D1 teams in America. All of that cuts both ways though...

His first series wasn't great...foul on a drive, undersized post takes him to the rack and scores, another foul. Second series was better, hopefully that trend continues.

From a skills perspective, appears to have decent hands but doesn't rebound well out of his area. He eats space, which can be useful during the course of a game, but at this point I find it hard to see him playing crunch time minutes throughout the year...imagine OU goes "small".

With all that said, he needs to get in game shape first.

 

[j2d2]

He would have been very handy at Memphis. Does he have the work ethic needed to realize his potential. Appears to be athletic and, if so, all he needs is application and experience.

 

[thewez]

Last night after the game during autograph sessions he was wincing a little, and took off his shoe. I asked him if the foot was hurting, and he said it was a little painful. I'm sure thats natural in the first game back, but just thought I'd share.

 

[TINY]

Last night after the game during autograph sessions he was wincing a little, and took off his shoe. I asked him if the foot was hurting, and he said it was a little painful. I'm sure thats natural in the first game back, but just thought I'd share.

Yikes..I kind of hope he just takes it easy for the next month or so and strengthens everything for the conference grind. I liked what I saw from him!

 

[BigTime]

Last night after the game during autograph sessions he was wincing a little, and took off his shoe. I asked him if the foot was hurting, and he said it was a little painful. I'm sure thats natural in the first game back, but just thought I'd share.

Interesting. After a sample size of only 1 against a poor opponent, I still contend that he passes the eye test and will help the team if he is healthy.

 

[jerry]

If he can get healthy and stay healthy he could really help us.

 

[CoachTalk]

I've said it since he committed I think he starts when he's healthy.

 

[usedtobe1]

I've said it since he committed I think he starts when he's healthy.

I agree but I think he shares time with both of the other guys. It's important to see who emerges between Lattin and McNeace.

 

[hoopsaustin]

Looks like a beast. I hope longar shows him some post moves

 

[AdaSooner]

Last night after the game during autograph sessions he was wincing a little, and took off his shoe. I asked him if the foot was hurting, and he said it was a little painful. I'm sure thats natural in the first game back, but just thought I'd share.

I'm encouraged by the fact that despite the pain AK told the coaches he wanted to play.

Pain is something athletes in every sport have to endure from time to time, some more than others. I'm not talking about debilitating pain, or pain that may signal a problem that could get worse by pushing yourself too much. But pain on an acceptable level is going to be there if you play basketball long enough. You either suck it up and deal with it, or take a seat on the bench be a cheerleader for your teammates.

 

[sdcloud9]

If the Lattin/Manyang/McNease trio can produce 10 points and 10 boards per game and guard another team's post effectively, that would make this team a threat in March.

Plus, they can be aggressive because foul trouble is not a concern.

 

[MercedeSooner]

Year after year we've gotten overpowered if we went up against a team with some NBA size and length - to think having someone who can help counteract that wouldn't help is a bit short sided you'd think.

 

[Larry72]

I sure hope his foot pain is not the stress fracture