Zach Banner as a hoops prospect. .

[NorthCarolinaSooner]

So Zach Banner wants to play football AND basketball in high school. He is 6'9" and a bit over 300 lbs. What do we know about him from a basketball standpoint? Is he a difference maker on the hardwood? Would be nice to add an extra big. LOL

 

[Sam]

Is this the former USC commit? I heard he was at Pangos Camp last year and they're one of the better camps when it comes to basketball prospects.

 

[sdcloud9]

He is a 6-8, 300 pound o-lineman from Washington state that is an OU football recruit.

He wants to play both sports in college.

 

[mikeareese]

You have to consider he would be on football scholarship. He is a top OL recruit. It would be another big body in practice. Who knows he might have some talent on the floor.

 

[NorthCarolinaSooner]

I know he is a 3 star basketball prospect according to Rivals. I didn't see any of his stats in hoops though.

 

[AdaSooner]

I would love to see a 6' 9" 300 lb. kid play both sports at OU. But, let's be honest. Does anyone really believe Coach Stoops will allow him to play basketball, despite his usual promise to support it? The answer to that question can be found in the number of football players who have actually been on the hardwood in Stoop's tenure, except in street clothes.

 

[McJacknife]

I would love to see a 6' 9" 300 lb. kid play both sports at OU. But, let's be honest. Does anyone really believe Coach Stoops will allow him to play basketball, despite his usual promise to support it? The answer to that question can be found in the number of football players who have actually been on the hardwood in Stoop's tenure, except in street clothes.

I think in this case Stoops has been honest about truly giving Zach the chance to pursue both sports. From reports on another site... he personally drove Zach over to the LNC to meet with Lon while he was on his official (football) visit.

That all being said, these things tend to sort themselves out on campus. Unless he's an otherworldly talent, he'll likely figure out that 100% dedication to one sport or another is the only way to really get ahead.

Julius Peppers & Charlie Ward disagree with me.

 

[SilliSooner]

So would Tony Gonzales.

 

[McJacknife]

And to a lesser degree... Ronald Curry

 

[AdaSooner]

I think in this case Stoops has been honest about truly giving Zach the chance to pursue both sports. From reports on another site... he personally drove Zach over to the LNC to meet with Lon while he was on his official (football) visit.

That all being said, these things tend to sort themselves out on campus. Unless he's an otherworldly talent, he'll likely figure out that 100% dedication to one sport or another is the only way to really get ahead.

Julius Peppers & Charlie Ward disagree with me.

Really? Stoops reportedly went that far to prove he wasn't blowing smoke this time? I'll still have to see it before I believe it.

You're right, it's not easy, but it can be done. Pepper, Curry and Ward (forgot about him) are perfect examples of multi-sport athletes who were able to pull it off. Brandon Jones played football and baseball at OU, which is a little easier in that the seasons don't overlap.

I understand why Stoops would rather see his players stick to football. Practice time, overlapping seasons and the risk of injury are major considerations. Maybe he means it this time. If Banner picks the Sooners, it will be interesting to see if that's true.

 

[campbest]

And to a lesser degree... Ronald Curry

Ronald Curry was such a G in high school...national player of the year in basketball and football.