Victor Iwuakor

[oudna]

Originally Posted by WichitaSooner

I think we should probably wait till these kids finish high school and show up on campus before we start worrying about whether any will redshirt. Everyone seemed sure Kuath would redshirt, but not only did that not happen, he was Muni's primary backup till the back injury.

To me it seemed they gave Kuath some opportunities the first 6 games, saw he cleary wasn’t ready to contribute, and then his back started acting up....

[Big Old Booger]

Originally Posted by WichitaSooner

I think we should probably wait till these kids finish high school and show up on campus before we start worrying about whether any will redshirt. Everyone seemed sure Kuath would redshirt, but not only did that not happen, he was Muni's primary backup till the back injury. I understand why people are leery of the bigs in this class because that clearly hasn't been an area of strength lately, but it also seems premature to get too worked up just because Iwuakor might not arrive in Norman with a fully developed offensive game. There just aren't that many college bigs who are both athletic and skilled right from the start.

I also don't think his situation is all that similar to Doo last season. Doo spent an entire semester away from the team, playing little more than pickup ball, and then had to try to immediately adjust to Big 12 play with only a few practices under his belt. This kid will likely still play plenty of games, AAU or otherwise, between now and arriving in Norman, and then will have months of practices and scrimmages once he starts college. Not playing his senior year is unusual, but if it is really just because of his living situation, that doesn't seem like a big deal.

Your argument becomes invalid when you say he didn't need to redshirt because he was "Muni's backup". Well, Muni is not a complete player so being his backup doesn't say much. I think we can all agree Kuath if not injured probably doesn't make this team any better.

Hopefully Iwuakor is better than any other bigs we have now (not counting Doolittle who isn't much of a "big").

[WichitaSooner]

Originally Posted by oudna

To me it seemed they gave Kuath some opportunities the first 6 games, saw he cleary wasn’t ready to contribute, and then his back started acting up....

Like the "Trae Young is the reason we made the tourney" argument, there is no way I can refute conspiracies, other than pointing to the fact that it isn't as if OU just gets to pinky promise the NCAA that he has a legitimate injury that prevents him from playing. If teams could pull this off as easily as you seem to think, why wouldn't they do it all the time? RO basically didn't see the court once conference play started three years ago -- why wouldn't they have pulled this stunt then? Does anyone really believe that the same NCAA that nitpicks everything and does almost nothing to benefit players would, in this one situation, basically let players and schools manipulate them?

[AdaSooner]

Originally Posted by WichitaSooner

I think we should probably wait till these kids finish high school and show up on campus before we start worrying about whether any will redshirt. Everyone seemed sure Kuath would redshirt, but not only did that not happen, he was Muni's primary backup till the back injury. I understand why people are leery of the bigs in this class because that clearly hasn't been an area of strength lately, but it also seems premature to get too worked up just because Iwuakor might not arrive in Norman with a fully developed offensive game. There just aren't that many college bigs who are both athletic and skilled right from the start.

I also don't think his situation is all that similar to Doo last season. Doo spent an entire semester away from the team, playing little more than pickup ball, and then had to try to immediately adjust to Big 12 play with only a few practices under his belt. This kid will likely still play plenty of games, AAU or otherwise, between now and arriving in Norman, and then will have months of practices and scrimmages once he starts college. Not playing his senior year is unusual, but if it is really just because of his living situation, that doesn't seem like a big deal.

Like I said, I hope CT is wrong about redshirting Iwuakor. But I’m not nearly as hopeful now that he is working out on his own. That could change if he finds a good teaching coach and/or an AAU team. Until then, I will remain unconvinced that his unorthodox approach to being in a position to play his freshman season at OU is the right thing to do. Oh, how I would love to be wrong! Victor is the one I was counting on to be ready to play next season.

I’m not the one who said Garang would redshirt (see article below):

The plan for Garang, a 6-foot-8 power forward originally from Uganda, is to redshirt the 2019-2020 season, a source said.

https://247sports.com/college/basket...oma-127697755/

Do you think Corbin Merritt will play next season? Someone said early on he was working his way through an injury. Understandable of course. But nothing about his stats makes me believe he will be ready to contribute anytime soon. It’s not like he’s sitting out the season. He’s just not putting up the stats I wanted to see.

[CoachTalk]

Originally Posted by AdaSooner

CT, I actually hope you were wrong this time. But, we both know how working out on his own affected Doolittle when he was suspended for the first semester of last year. I don’t see anyway this can be a good thing for Iwuakor.

If you’re right and Victor redshirts, that means three 2019 recruits (all bigs) will redshirt next season. When Anyang Garrang announced his commitment he was reported to be a redshirt candidate. I’ve got to believe Corbin Merritt will redshirt too. If you have checked his stats lately, you’ll know why I say that.

Right or wrong, is it any wonder the word “projects” has been tossed around when the bigs in this recruiting class are the topic of our discussions? I’m thrilled with the guards and wings! Maybe I will feel the same way about our bigs in time. But when the word redshirt is used to describe every big in this class, my confidence level takes a hit.

Wish I wouldn't have said that now. My fault. I just meant a candidate if his offense hasn't improved enough.

I agree we have plenty of bigs. I think a transfer guard is in the cards again.

Victor was a top 150 player by most services, those guys dont RS much.

[AdaSooner]

Originally Posted by CoachTalk

Wish I wouldn't have said that now. My fault. I just meant a candidate if his offense hasn't improved enough.

I agree we have plenty of bigs. I think a transfer guard is in the cards again.

Victor was a top 150 player by most services, those guys dont RS much.

No problem, Coach! Guess I took it too hard because Victor is the one I was counting on to help us next season.

You’re right, we do have plenty of bigs, on paper. I think Doolittle and Manek will be much improved. I feel good about Kur Kauth. Beyond that...well, do I need to say more? It’s the unknown about Freeman and Polla that makes me believe we’re going to need a big from our recruiting class or a grad transfer who will be able to contribute right away. If Matt and/or Hannes work out (and I hope they will), that will be a bonus.

[usedtobe1]

HS seniors don’t usually play AAU basketball following their senior year of eligibility. Iwuakor won’t play until he gets on campus in June. JMHO

[BCSooners]

Originally Posted by usedtobe1

HS seniors don’t usually play AAU basketball following their senior year of eligibility. Iwuakor won’t play until he gets on campus in June. JMHO

There are AAU tournaments year round going on now. Again I have no idea if he is doing this but he could play if he wants.

[SuperHoops]

Originally Posted by BCSooners

There are AAU tournaments year round going on now. Again I have no idea if he is doing this but he could play if he wants.

How does that work with all the players playing high school games on Friday nights?

[BCSooners]

Originally Posted by SuperHoops

How does that work with all the players playing high school games on Friday nights?

Not all players play HS. Mokan Elite (Trae Young’s aau team) sent out a letter telling parents that school ball is pointless & their kid’s will get better playing for them all year.

[WTSooner]

Originally Posted by Sooner04

Great. Wonderful. An athletic "project" who isn't currently playing basketball. My enthusiasm can barely be contained.

You and me both. OU MUST stop recruiting so many of these guys.

[WTSooner]

Originally Posted by oudna

To me it seemed they gave Kuath some opportunities the first 6 games, saw he cleary wasn’t ready to contribute, and then his back started acting up....

Since he is the only other player on our roster resembling a "center", that isn't saying much.

[tmeyer3307]

After watching us get dominated over and over on the glass I think we need this kid or someone to step up and play. Doolittle I think should move back to the 3 with Manek at the 4. Kuath or this kid at the 5 gives us a good rebounding team.. If we play 3 guards for most of the game I'd guess Harmon, Bienemy and Reaves are those guys and none of them seem like great rebounders.

[pnkranger]

Originally Posted by BCSooners

There are AAU tournaments year round going on now. Again I have no idea if he is doing this but he could play if he wants.

The large majority of tournaments only offer division through 8th grade during basketball season. Some do play high school tournaments during school ball season, but not many.

[WTSooner]

Originally Posted by tmeyer3307

After watching us get dominated over and over on the glass I think we need this kid or someone to step up and play. Doolittle I think should move back to the 3 with Manek at the 4. Kuath or this kid at the 5 gives us a good rebounding team.. If we play 3 guards for most of the game I'd guess Harmon, Bienemy and Reaves are those guys and none of them seem like great rebounders.

As long as Doolittle and Manek are both playing at the same time, this team will struggle. First, neither is anything more than an average player. Second, they are both stretch 4's in today's game. Neither has any business playing the 3, and they certainly aren't 5's. The problem is that even if one is at the 4, we're soft at the 5. That is a recipe for disaster.

[Stikboy]

OK so now that we're hearing that Victor Iw could be a redshirt candidate, who in this class besides Harmon can we hang our hat on to help turn this thing around? Are any of these recruits difference makers, or are people just hoping?

[CoachTalk]

Originally Posted by Stikboy

OK so now that we're hearing that Victor Iw could be a redshirt candidate, who in this class besides Harmon can we hang our hat on to help turn this thing around? Are any of these recruits difference makers, or are people just hoping?

I said RS. Shouldnt have. My fault.

I think williams, harmon, hill will play a ton right away.

[Ghost of Gar Heard]

Originally Posted by cvangild

A project?? The kid is a 4 star Top 150 player by everyone! His strengths are shot blocking and rebounding...but does have some offense in his game...he's far from a "project"!

Some of you, if given the choice, will pick the negative POV 100% of the time!!!

It's beyond OLD!

Agreed. If he's healthy, I can't see how he wouldn't play. He may not be a major contributor on the offensive end early on, but that doesn't mean he can't help on defense, on the boards, and in screening.

Half this board does go with the worst case scenario whenever given the chance. I wonder if they're like this in their interactions at work or school and with their families.

[Stikboy]

Originally Posted by CoachTalk

I said RS. Shouldnt have. My fault.

I think williams, harmon, hill will play a ton right away.

Coachtalk, trust me I am not trying to beat you up over making that redshirt comment. I'm just trying to get a real picture of what we really got. I don't understand the Corbin Merritt signing. Just like I didn't get the Kuath or Polla ones, either.

I think people are ready for some real difference makers and less sunshine(not naming any names) because these last 3 years have been torture..

[WTSooner]

Originally Posted by cvangild

A project?? The kid is a 4 star Top 150 player by everyone! His strengths are shot blocking and rebounding...but does have some offense in his game...he's far from a "project"!

Some of you, if given the choice, will pick the negative POV 100% of the time!!!

It's beyond OLD!

Being able to rebound at 210 pounds in HS and AAU is A LOT different than being able to rebound and defend in college at that size.

He's a project. And he'll need to put on good weight before he is more than just a warm body.

Why do OU fans do this every year?

[AdaSooner]

Originally Posted by Stikboy

Coachtalk, trust me I am not trying to beat you up over making that redshirt comment. I'm just trying to get a real picture of what we really got. I don't understand the Corbin Merritt signing. Just like I didn't get the Kuath or Polla ones, either.

I think people are ready for some real difference makers and less sunshine(not naming any names) because these last 3 years have been torture..

I think Coach is right about Harmon, Hill and Williams. You can also add Austin Reaves to that list. IMO, those four will be an upgrade over the players moving on.

Add our returning players and I think we’ve got a good chance at a respectable season next year. Kur Kauth will be eligible too. You know as much about him as I do.

I really like what I have seen of Iwuakor. I haven’t seen enough of the others to have an opinion.

[CoachTalk]

Victor was ranked 96th in this class by 24/7.

He will play.

Of course, offense can improve, Of course, he needs to add good weight.

[CoachTalk]

Impact guard transfer is a most. I think we will get one.

[AdaSooner]

Originally Posted by CoachTalk

Impact guard transfer is a most. I think we will get one.

You don’t think a grad transfer big would be better? Returning guard/wings—Bieniemy and Reaves. Guard/wings coming in—Harmon, Hill and Williams.

I’m more comfortable with our backcourt than our front court. I think Manek, Doolittle and Kauth will be fine. I’m not as comfortable as I would like to be with our back ups. Freeman (if he’s still around) could contribute if he was more consistent from the perimeter. That still doesn’t do much for his defense. I have almost no confidence in Polla. I don’t know what to expect from the bigs in next year’s recruiting class? There are too many unknowns right now.

I would rather see our coaches go after an impact grad transfer big. If one of our current bigs transfers, or someone doesn’t make it in, sign two or use one of those ships on a grad transfer guard.

[sperry]

Originally Posted by AdaSooner

You don’t think a grad transfer big would be better? Returning guard/wings—Bieniemy and Reaves. Guard/wings coming in—Harmon, Hill and Williams.

I’m more comfortable with our backcourt than our front court. I think Manek, Doolittle and Kauth will be fine. I’m not as comfortable as I would like to be with our back ups. Freeman (if he’s still around) could contribute if he was more consistent from the perimeter. That still doesn’t do much for his defense. I have almost no confidence in Polla. I don’t know what to expect from the bigs in next year’s recruiting class? There are too many unknowns right now.

I would rather see our coaches go after an impact grad transfer big. If one of our current bigs transfers, or someone doesn’t make it in, sign two or use one of those ships on a grad transfer guard.

You should have 3 or 4 guards/wings on the court at all times. That means your roster balance should be like 8-9 guards/wings, and 4-5 bigs. You're suggesting having 8 bigs and 5 guards/wings. That can't happen. This team is already loaded up with way too many big men.