| 16 March 2010
OU Men's Hoops WTF Now
OU's worst season in forever is merciful over now, and rather than assess what went wrong. What's next??
Question 1
Is Willie Warren gone to the NBA? All signs point to yes, but his ankle surgery and the moved up date for players to pull themselves out of the draft early (May instead of in June are new variables). If Warren is unable to workout for NBA teams before the pull out date, would he return to OU if he has not received a first round guarantee from a team? Warren's draft stock has just plummeted from Lottery lock to fringe first round pick. Warren pretty much needs great workouts to rehab his image.
Question 2
Who else might be leaving?
Well let's review the potential suspects:
- Tiny Gallon: Has publicly said that he is staying.
- TMG: Leaning towards staying, but says he needs to talk to Capel about some "stuff". UPDATE: 3/16 Capel was interviewed in KREF and when talking about the future players in the program mentioned Gallon, Pledger, Fitz. No mention of TMG at all in the interview.
- Pledger: No word that his shoplifting brain freeze will lead to his exit.
- Ray Willis: Best bet for transferring. He's been recruited over.
- Orlando Allen: No buzz that he is leaving
- Kyle Hardrick: 2nd best bet for transferring. Chances of playing time are pretty slim right now
- Fitz: Not going anywhere.
- Cade: Not going anywhere
Question 3
How many players will OU sign in the spring?
OU signed two players in October (combo guard TJ Taylor 6-3, wing Cam Clark 6-6). If WW leaves, then OU will have 3 ships available. A class of 5 is likely if the right prospects can be found.
Question 4
What is needed and who is on the recruiting board?
Recruiting needs in order of priority
- Post player/Center
- Post player
- Big wing
- Point guard
There are only two clear players on the board who have officially visited OU.
- Terrence Jones 6-9 PF/SF Oregon (McDonald's All American. OU probably trails Kentucky and Washington)
- Aziz N'Diaye 7-1 C JUCO Southern Idaho (Top JUCO center. OU fighting Washington and Oregon State)
If OU could land these two players that would be the best result. However, it's not clear that OU leads for either player. And right now there are no other post players on the recruiting board.
Other prospects according to OUHoops.com
- Terrence Ross 6-5, SF Oregon (Teammate of Jones)
- Daniel West 6-1, PG JUCO Pensacola JUCO
- Marquise Carter 6-4, Combo Guard JUCO Three Rivers JUCO (brother of Nate Carter)
Questions 5
Can you try and guess what a starting five looks like?
Starring deep into the TaW Prediction Crystal Ball
PG: TMG
SG: Cade Davis
Wing: Cam Clark
Posts: Tiny Gallon, JUCO C/PF
