Thank you Coach Kruger, staff, and team. Like Sooner04 said, made it fun to watch Sooner basketball again. I didn't know what to expect as I haven't seen the team yet this year. As others have said though, under Capel preseason tournaments like this would leave me with the feeling we had next to no chance, regardless of the competition. But WOW. What defensive intensity. At the beginning of the game our inside help D left some to be desired, but as the game went on I was thoroughly impressed with our guys staying in front of people and pressuring. We got some steals from guys I didnt think had it in them. And we actually filled it up some! Last year it seemed we were just clunky in our neutral court shooting but our guys made baskets and thats what we needed to do to win. Loved the intensity, as someone else said, in an empty gym for not much on the line! These guys want it! Kudos to Coach for instilling that desire...
Sam Grooms=What a signing. From his handles, to his leading the team not only on the break but in the halfcourt, was outstanding. 10-1 A/TO is exceptional. He also played good D and busted a 3
Pledge=I was about midway through the game to go on a tirade about how all he is good for is shooting 3s. Then he proceeded to grab some great steals, from team D, and he had a good drive. If he can stay in front on D on other teams guards and rebound that'll be huge
CNewell=Wow! Offensive machine off the bench, good defense, and even talking a little * to the other team. Didn't realize he was as good a slasher/good outside shooter. Keep it up Cal
Cam=Cam last year looked lost and standoffish and I was very happy to see him giving great point D and playing assertively. His shot started falling too. He can be a tremendous asset for us this year if he plays with that intensity all the time
Osby=Did some things here and there, was a calming influence. Busted an unexpected 3 and got some good O boards. Still feeling his way but a great asset.
Fitz=Cmon man! Still has brick shoes not only laterally on D but straight up to. I have to give it up to him though he did get a few boards(which he should all along) and he has some post moves and midrange. But overall during the game I kept feeling myself agitated at Fitz
Blair=May have been a bad game, but ugly man, just ugly. How he takes ANY of Grooms minutes is beyond me. But like I said, its one game.
Arent=Aggressive boards, but man, work on making a layup under the basket brah. How long have you been playing ball? Good block, and will need his interior D
Neal=Didnt see much, but looked like he fit in within the scheme. Took it to the rack once I think? We'll need him for depth
Again, was just what the Sooner Basketball nation needed, a neutral court *kicking over a power conference opponent. It's a long season, and there will be disappointments, but you just get the feel the way they play that they'll be in games. They have more talent and are better than alot of pundits give them credit for, looks so far. Thanks Kruger for bringing it out of them. Now, keep it up! Have no idea how good Santa Clara is, good day now.......
Sam Grooms=What a signing. From his handles, to his leading the team not only on the break but in the halfcourt, was outstanding. 10-1 A/TO is exceptional. He also played good D and busted a 3
Pledge=I was about midway through the game to go on a tirade about how all he is good for is shooting 3s. Then he proceeded to grab some great steals, from team D, and he had a good drive. If he can stay in front on D on other teams guards and rebound that'll be huge
CNewell=Wow! Offensive machine off the bench, good defense, and even talking a little * to the other team. Didn't realize he was as good a slasher/good outside shooter. Keep it up Cal
Cam=Cam last year looked lost and standoffish and I was very happy to see him giving great point D and playing assertively. His shot started falling too. He can be a tremendous asset for us this year if he plays with that intensity all the time
Osby=Did some things here and there, was a calming influence. Busted an unexpected 3 and got some good O boards. Still feeling his way but a great asset.
Fitz=Cmon man! Still has brick shoes not only laterally on D but straight up to. I have to give it up to him though he did get a few boards(which he should all along) and he has some post moves and midrange. But overall during the game I kept feeling myself agitated at Fitz
Blair=May have been a bad game, but ugly man, just ugly. How he takes ANY of Grooms minutes is beyond me. But like I said, its one game.
Arent=Aggressive boards, but man, work on making a layup under the basket brah. How long have you been playing ball? Good block, and will need his interior D
Neal=Didnt see much, but looked like he fit in within the scheme. Took it to the rack once I think? We'll need him for depth
Again, was just what the Sooner Basketball nation needed, a neutral court *kicking over a power conference opponent. It's a long season, and there will be disappointments, but you just get the feel the way they play that they'll be in games. They have more talent and are better than alot of pundits give them credit for, looks so far. Thanks Kruger for bringing it out of them. Now, keep it up! Have no idea how good Santa Clara is, good day now.......
