Oklahoma was in this same situation in 2016-2017. Oklahoma went through the year after Buddy Hield. This year will be the aftermath of Trae Young. After being considered to be the #1 seed in the NCAA tournament halfway into conference play, OU would proceed to lose 9 of their last 11 games, including an OT game to Rhode Island in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. If Trae Young was out of rhythm, OU couldn’t do anything right offensively and would mightily struggle. Kameron McGusty transferred during the offseason and Khadeem Lattin graduates as well as Trae Young leaving for the NBA. OU brings back some solid pieces back in Guard Christian James, Forward Brady Manek, and Jamuni McNeace (all 3 should be starting). Attempting to replace Trae Young is Maine Grad. Transfer Aaron Calixte. In his Junior year, he averaged 16.9 points, 3.2 assists. and 3.1 rebounds and was American East Third Team All-Conference selection. His scoring presence will help pick up the rest of the team. An area OU must approve on this year is playing defense. OU was 337th in points against, and with no Trae Young, I highly doubt OU scores 80 a game like they did last year. This year will truly be a defining year for Lon Kruger after missing the Tournament the year after Buddy Hield. Will that be the same this year? This team has the experience to make some noise, but with that experience, how much progression is their left to make progress?
Notable Non-Conference Games:
November, 21st- Florida (Battle 4 Atlantis)
November, 22nd- Stanford/Wisconsin (Battle 4 Atlantis)
December, 4th- Notre Dame (Jimmy V Classic)
December, 8th- vs. Wichita State (Oklahoma City)
January, 26th- vs. Vanderbilt (Big 12/SEC Challenge)
Oklahoma has an extremely tough non-conference slate that has at least 7 power 5 games and 2 historic non-power 5’s in Wichita State and Creighton. OU has a 5 game stretch where they play Notre Dame, Wichita State, USC, Creighton, and Northwestern with only one of those games being a true home game (USC). Include Florida who is coming off a really good season a year ago and potentially Wisconsin in the Battle 4 Atlantis. OU should be ready for the Big 12 Conference Grind after what Non-Conference schedule they put together.
Potential Starting Lineup:
PG- Aaron Calixte (Sr.)
SG- Christian James (Sr.)
SF- Rashard Odomes (Sr.)
PF: Brady Manek (So.)
C: Jamuni McNeace (Sr.)
Projected Finish: NIT Tournament, Final Four.
