we need the next two

pnkranger

pnkranger

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if we hope to gain any momentum heading into the conference season, taking care of your home court against non-con opponents like ORU and Arkansas is critical.
 
Yep, gotta defend your home turf in winnable games to have any chance at playing in the post season. I think OU team can do that, providing they're consistent with their defensive pressure and continue to shoot well from the perimeter. This team does not have the luxury of slacking on defense, or mental lapses that lead to turnovers.
 
There's just so little margin for error with this team especially without Newell now. We can't have too many more down days for Cam Clark or Pledger on offense either.
 
"Cam Clark or Pledger"

I agree those two guys are the key to our offense. I think Osby and Fitzgerald are good for 7-10 ppg, but maybe not much more. But, Clark and Pledger can score 15-20 points or more when they're on.
 
While Cam and Pledger scoring will be key, another important factor will be finding bench scoring. We'll need someone to come of the bench and contribute offensively every game. I think Neal and Blair have more pressure to contribute with Newell gone.
 
Pledger has been fairly consistent in the five games he has participated in so far. He scored 20 against Coppin State; 14 in the WSU game; 26 against Santa Clara; 11 in the loss to St. Louis and 15 Friday night against Sac State.

Clark didn't contribute much in the way of offense in first two games of the season. But he has been pretty good since then, averaging 13.5 ppg.

Both players will have to continue that pace or improve on it if OU is to be successful going forward.
 
If Clark basically plays like he did the first 2 games of the year a bunch this year we are in trouble because you need guards to score a lot more. Last couple years has been an example. We've basically had one guard show up each game consistently if that.
 
Arkansas gave UConn a game today. They ended up losing by 14, but UConn is also a lot better than us.
 
It helps when Grooms knocks down shots too. I know some of you guys REALLY like him, but most of his value is in having really good players around him. Stick him on the UK or NC rosters, and his shooting (so far) wouldn't be an issue. On a roster like we currently have, we need all the scoring options we can get.
 
Maybe it is just wishful thinking, but I kinda get the feeling the light is coming on for Cam. Perhaps with Newell leaving, he even took that as a little bit more motivation to get more aggressive. It seems to me that he is/has been timid and that is when he struggles. When he gets aggressive, he shines. If he continues to play like he did against Sac State, or even close, the future just got brighter.
 
WTSooner said:
It helps when Grooms knocks down shots too. I know some of you guys REALLY like him, but most of his value is in having really good players around him. Stick him on the UK or NC rosters, and his shooting (so far) wouldn't be an issue. On a roster like we currently have, we need all the scoring options we can get.
Click to expand...

I really like Grooms. But, if he were on the UK or NC rosters his shooting wouldn't matter so much because he wouldn't be in the game. He would be the quality backup that those kind of teams need.

The point guard's job is to get the ball up the court (even when the other team doesn't want him to), pass it to the open man, and finally hit the occasional 10/12 jumper when it comes handy.

If the point is taking alot of 3's or any shot for that matter, he isn't doing one of his primary jobs. Grooms play is a bright spot on this team. I heard for months that Grooms couldn't beat out Blair. The nay sayers were just positive the jump from JC to Div 1 was too big or it would take too long to adjust to the speed of the game.

Well all that is true. There is a big adjustment and it will take some time and he won't do anything but get better. But, he was the best available option and the starter from the 1st day of practice. That is because he is a quality player.

Grooms value comes from his defensive commitment and effort. His overall quickness, his ability to get the ball up the court. He can do it in a hurry. And he can do it when being pressured. His value comes from beating his defender off the dribble (all but one so far) getting into the lane and dishing to an open wing. His value comes from knowing,understanding, and running the offense like Coach wants him to.

Without Grooms and Osby, this is a 12/18 team. We got alittle refresher course on that last week when they were both on the bench in the 1st half and we went from one up to ten down in the blink of an eye against a decent, but, nothing special mid-major.

There are alot of places to find value in Grooms other than his current 3 pt. shooting percentage.
 
Wouldn't hurt to have a full house against Arkansas, I am driving down to do some Christmas shopping and to watch the game most likely, Hopefully my money doesn't get funny.:D
 
ouwxman said:
"Cam Clark or Pledger"

I agree those two guys are the key to our offense. I think Osby and Fitzgerald are good for 7-10 ppg, but maybe not much more. But, Clark and Pledger can score 15-20 points or more when they're on.
Click to expand...

Fitzgerald can score more than 7-10 ppg. He did it last year with very little help. I think Fitzgerald and Osby can average 25+ (combined) per game and they need to do it if OU is going to make the NIT or NCAA. (I don't think OU will make the NCAA).
 
ORU is likely the Summit League's tourney bid. It would be awesome to beat a tourney-bound team.

Arky... well, whatever. I just wanna beat them.
 
DenverSooner said:
I really don't like Arkansas.
Click to expand...

There's probably weeping and nashing over on the other side of the Illinois River today.

But but... we're No. 6 in the country and we have to go to the Cotton Bowl?!

S-E-C! S-E-C! :D
 
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