Tasked with navigating a rugged Big 12 schedule, Oklahoma entered the postseason as tested as anyone else in the country. For many, that made the Sooners a popular pick to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
While a Sweet 16 appearance is nothing to scoff at, many both inside and outside of the program weren’t satisfied. Next up in our Recruit and Reload series, Lon Kruger and OU.
Key Losses: TaShawn Thomas (graduation)
Possible Losses: Buddy Hield
Key Returners: Isaiah Cousins, Ryan Spangler, Jordan Woodard
Key Newcomers: Akolda Manyang (four-star, center), Christian James (three-star, shooting guard)
Breakdown: The Sooners are still awaiting word from Hield about his NBA future, meaning it is still difficult to project exactly how good next season’s Oklahoma group could be. With him back, OU will have a veteran backcourt, paring Hield alongside Cousins, with depth coming off the bench thanks to Woodard and James. In the paint, where OU was so strong a year ago, Manyang’s presence will allow Spangler to roam free offensively (which his shooting range allows for) and focus much more on his rebounding efforts, assuming Manyang can be the rim protector many expect him to be. Without Hield, the Sooners lose a potential National Player of the Year candidate, and one of the most dynamic scorers in the game. Kruger’s system does allow plenty of freedom for his guards offensively, and James looks like a player who could start at many power conference programs. Still, you’re always better off with a player like Hield than you are without him. His pending decision of whether to leave school or not is one of the most interesting of those decisions nation-wide that have yet to be made.
