Griffin to announce @ LNC @ 2:30 today. [Archive]

SoonerShark

4/7/2009, 10:12 AM

It is better to leave on a high note. A good class is coming in and Willie Warren will be even better. The Final Four is in sight next year, Blake, if you stay. Blake Griffin, Willie Warren, Juan Patillo, Tiny Gallon and Tommy Mason-Griffin will start, which would be four (4) McDonald's All-American players on the court. Blake Griffin is not from a family that only one NBA career pays for the entire contingent of family and friends to use to live from now until eternity. Blake's mother, father and brother are all college educated winners who do not rely on him for everything from soup to SUVs.

TopDawg

4/7/2009, 10:16 AM

if its a presser, I'd say hes gone. if they invite any kind of students..................

was Bradford's a presser?

soonervegas

4/7/2009, 10:20 AM

Why would you hold a press conference to say you are leaving?

*I think he is gone, just why not a press release?*

badger

4/7/2009, 10:23 AM

The story on the presser. (http://www.tulsaworld.com/sports/article.aspx?subjectid=92&articleid=20090407_298_0_hrimgs242111)

Griffin announces he will stay! (http://www.tulsaworld.com/sports/article.aspx?subjectid=92&articleid=20080410_2_B1_hSoon17682&archive=yes)

(that last link was from 2008. tee hee)

Okie35

4/7/2009, 10:28 AM

Most coaches say if you're a for sure top 5 or even a top 10 pick to go to the draft. This all comes down to his competitiveness and if he wants to come back to compete for a title.

Boomer.....

4/7/2009, 10:29 AM

I'm not trying to get my hopes up because I think he is as good as gone.

soonerfan28

4/7/2009, 10:33 AM

I have an inkling he's coming back. I did wear my crimson shaded glasses today though, so it could be nothing. We would be a lock for Final Four with these 4 on the court to go along with anybody else.

Griffin
Gallon
?
Warren
TMG

TopDawg

4/7/2009, 10:45 AM

Why would you hold a press conference to say you are leaving?

*I think he is gone, just why not a press release?*

That's kinda what I'm thinking. Any time I see that it's going to be a press conference, I get a little more hopeful.

soonervegas

4/7/2009, 10:54 AM

That's kinda what I'm thinking. Any time I see that it's going to be a press conference, I get a little more hopeful.

There will be many of us on here giddy as little school girls if that were to happen.

OUbasketball4life

4/7/2009, 11:03 AM

I think being in detroit the past couple days could possible help him decide to stay. Seeing 70,000 fans for the final four it's possible that he might want to help get the program to the final four. But I guess I'm being selfish LOL I wish him the best no matter what stay or go he has been a great guy to have at OU!

nighttrain12

4/7/2009, 11:07 AM

I'm surprised there aren't any unnamed sources telling a media member already what his decision is.

mOUse

4/7/2009, 11:15 AM

latest trends would argue for him staying:
Hansbrough
Lawson
The Right Reverend Tim T. Messiah
Bradford

...but to be fair, I would not say any of the above were a lock at #1 overall.

It would certainly be a refreshing change if the trend continues.

I do think there are two areas he can improve in the next year and increase his value to NBA teams...
Free Throws (of Course) especially as much as players are going to hack and collapse
and a 12 - 15 ft jump shot near the free throw line. The give and go and rotating offenses almost require that shot. I don't think he will necessarily be a center, but I can see him rotating in and out of that spot and I certainly think #4 spot requires a better mid range than where he is at right now.

I would love to see Tiny and Orlando rotate in and out along with Patillo, Wright and Griffin and a True point guard in Mason-Griffin feeding that tandem along with a maturing Willie Warren. What a monster outlook.

I too would post a happy dance video if he were to announce he is staying...on the other hand that might change his mind in and of itself!!:D

Hotrod3157

4/7/2009, 11:27 AM

It would be great if he came back for next year. He does have a couple things that he could improve on but he could work on those at the next level too. I think it just comes down to if he wants to take a shot at winning the Big 12 and making it to the Final Four. Hopefully seeing the Final Four and what North Carolina was able to do by coming back will swing him towards staying. I like it when they have a presser gives all the fans a little more hope.

OUSKINS

4/7/2009, 11:30 AM

I support him 100% if he goes and I thank him for his two years here and wish him the best, but if he stays, I might wet my pants :)

8timechamps

4/7/2009, 11:55 AM

Agreed OUSKINS.

What about Willie? Has he made an official declaration? Most of the NBA mock drafts have him picked in the top 10. At least last week they did.

King Crimson

4/7/2009, 12:07 PM

what SKINS and 8times said. hard for me to imagine he's coming back, but the quick decision is interesting. season just ended last night.

BillyBall

4/7/2009, 12:09 PM

I support him 100% if he goes and I thank him for his two years here and wish him the best, but if he stays, I might wet my pants :)

This.

Readyfor8

4/7/2009, 12:10 PM

KC//CRIMSON

4/7/2009, 12:19 PM

Live Webcast (http://www.soonersports.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/040709aaa.html)

nighttrain12

4/7/2009, 12:33 PM

If I were a college basketball player that was going to go number 1 in the draft. I honestly would announce, I am declaring for the draft but if I am not picked up by the team that I want to pick me up, then I will withdraw before June 15th and return to The University of Oklahoma.

That way either way he is going to go to OKC next year either for the All Sports or for 70+ games.

He has to withdraw before the actual draft. While he'll know the lottery order and know he will very likely be the #1 pick, the Thunder (ahem, ahem) could still make a trade to move up in the draft.

Rock Hard Corn Frog

4/7/2009, 12:54 PM

It would be awesome if he stayed but if he were to announce he was staying I would think he needs to be checked to make sure he didn't have another concussion. ;)

badger

4/7/2009, 12:58 PM

I don't think that Blake is the type of person *cough* ELI MANNING! *cough* that would demand to be playing for one team before another. I think he (and his brother too, who started with KS at the helm and went through the Capel transition period) has shown he's willing to work through anything and with anyone, regardless of the situation.

If you read the story at the link I provided from last year's announcement, you may have noticed the mention of Capel's daughter being part of the Capel pitch for him to stay (she took her first steps when he was there). I wonder what Capelette will do this year to ensure that Blake Blake stays?

Coach: Hey, sweetie! Blake Blake's here! What do you want to show him today?
Capelette: Toof!
Coach: Wow! She lost her first tooth and she's giving it to you! She must think you're the tooth fairy!
Blake: Sweetie, do I look like a fairy to you after all those hits I took this season?
Coach: Errrr... why don't you show him that OTHER thing, sweetie?
Capelette: Let's go Dooooook! Let's go Doooooook!
Coach: No! Not that...
Blake: Coach, is she doing the Cameron Crazy chant?
Coach: Errrrr....

soonerfan28

4/7/2009, 01:03 PM

I don't think it's so crazy to think that he might actually want to come back to school. The money will be there in a year and he'll have many years to play in the NBA. You only have 4 or 5 years to really enjoy the college experience. You won't ever have an opportunity to play in the Final Four after you leave college.

nighttrain12

4/7/2009, 01:12 PM

The women he'll have to choose from will be so much hotter when he turns pro since he will now have money.

badger

4/7/2009, 01:19 PM

The women he'll have to choose from will be so much hotter when he turns pro since he will now have money.

Feminazi here. Up yours you pig. ;)

Seriously, Blake looked really, really nice when he got his shiny trophies this weekend, all dressed up in a suit and all. He looked like a goofy big kid a la Kevin Bookout when he arrived, but he has matured well!
http://www.tulsaworld.com/articleimages/2009/20090404_ougriffin0404p2.jpg
Awww, little bro Griff is all grown up now ;)

OklahomaTuba

4/7/2009, 01:34 PM

He's Gone.

colleyvillesooner

4/7/2009, 01:47 PM

DUH.

:D

SoonerTroll

4/7/2009, 02:24 PM

I'm still holding out the smallest amount of hope, but i will also be happy if he goes. Blake has done great things in his two years. I mean do you think we would have 3 McDonalds All Americans on the court next year if it were not for him? assuming that willie stays of course.

Sooner95

4/7/2009, 02:29 PM

About to start...

KC//CRIMSON

4/7/2009, 02:30 PM

ZOMG he's turning pro!

Boomer.....

4/7/2009, 02:30 PM

and he's going pro.

No real surprise.

Sooner95

4/7/2009, 02:30 PM

and he's gone. Good luck Blake, we will miss you!

mxATVracer10

4/7/2009, 02:32 PM

well crap. I was starting to get my hopes up there for a minute :(

Oh well, good luck Blake and thanks for your time as a Sooner!

badger

4/7/2009, 02:32 PM

Fare thee well, Blake :)

jumperstop

4/7/2009, 02:33 PM

you guys had me thinking there might acctually be a chance for a little bit there.

SoonerTroll

4/7/2009, 02:33 PM

And the hope has died :)

nighttrain12

4/7/2009, 02:34 PM

Its not 100% over until he signs with an agent. I can't hear the press conferenece, did he say that he did?

Sooner FLiP

4/7/2009, 02:35 PM

congrats and good luck blake! it has been a pleasure watching you in the Crimson and Cream!!

badger

4/7/2009, 02:37 PM

I can't hear the press conferenece
WEBCAM! NOW! (http://www.tulsaworld.com/sports/extra/article.aspx?tab=ou&subjectID=92&articleid=20090407_92_0_script106131)

OKC-SLC

4/7/2009, 02:37 PM

He's physically ready for the NBA. I think that's something he knows.

Bradford, I think, felt that physically and mentally there was more to gain by staying.

SoonerTroll

4/7/2009, 02:37 PM

Come on Lottery Balls !!!!!!!!!!!

Rock Hard Corn Frog

4/7/2009, 02:39 PM

Come on Lottery Balls !!!!!!!!!!!

That sounds painful and random...

badger

4/7/2009, 02:43 PM

Come on Lottery Balls !!!!!!!!!!!

I have a new slogan...

Dio

4/7/2009, 02:45 PM

Come on Lottery Balls !!!!!!!!!!!

NTTAWWT!

Rock Hard Corn Frog

4/7/2009, 02:46 PM

Manu Ginobli has been diagnosed with lottery balls and will miss the remainder of the season.

GrapevineSooner

4/7/2009, 02:48 PM

Manu Ginobli has been diagnosed with lottery balls and will miss the remainder of the season.

Actually, he's been diagnosed with this:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2289/2433443809_653189604d_o.jpg

Sooner95

4/7/2009, 02:49 PM

Could there be a classier guy than Blake? We are in good hands with Capel as well..

Ah yea, I hope the lotto balls fall our (OKC) way..would be cool..

badger

4/7/2009, 02:49 PM

Manu Ginobli has been diagnosed with lottery balls and will miss the remainder of the season.

Manu got lottery balls, then the Spurs got the No. 1 pick, then Tim Duncan gets to play along side another NBA future Hall of Fame center... and then, the rest of the NBA rages at the lottery and the luck San Antwaaaaan keeps having with getting big dudes.

Rock Hard Corn Frog

4/7/2009, 02:52 PM

Actually, he's been diagnosed with this:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2289/2433443809_653189604d_o.jpg

Five......Five Dollar....Five Dollar foot...:D

stoops the eternal pimp

4/7/2009, 02:55 PM

Its not 100% over until he signs with an agent. I can't hear the press conferenece, did he say that he did?

http://www.watchmoviestreaming.com/pictures/dumbanddumber1.jpg

So your saying we have a chance!

cheezyq

4/7/2009, 03:01 PM

http://www.watchmoviestreaming.com/pictures/dumbanddumber1.jpg

So your saying we have a chance!

LOL. Can't beat a good D&D reference. "Hey, what was all that 'one in a million talk?!?'"

starclassic tama

4/7/2009, 03:07 PM

when is the lottery?

stoops the eternal pimp

4/7/2009, 03:18 PM

may 19

KC//CRIMSON

4/7/2009, 03:22 PM

when is the lottery?

Every Wednesday and Saturday around 7pm.

JLEW1818

4/7/2009, 03:27 PM

why the hell is he going pro. that so dumb...

;) ;) ;) ;) :D

starclassic tama

4/7/2009, 03:47 PM

Every Wednesday and Saturday around 7pm.

was that supposed to be funny? i can't tell.

Mudskipper

4/7/2009, 04:07 PM

anybody have a link where I can watch the press conference?

Mudskipper

4/7/2009, 04:24 PM

never mind...I found a place
http://www.newson6.com/Global/category.asp?C=112043&nav=menu682_5

Collier11

4/7/2009, 04:37 PM

was that supposed to be funny? i can't tell.

I thought it was funny :confused:

PhiDeltBeers

4/8/2009, 09:04 AM

We're doomed.

badger

4/8/2009, 10:02 AM

We're doomed.

Come on, Lottery Balls!

.... wait, that's already been done. Well, I suppose I could get a "Suck! Suck! Suck!" chant going at Ford Center so that the Thunder have a better chance of getting BG.

In any event, I could totally see the NBA rigging the lottery so that Oklahoma City gets pick No. 1 regardless of how much they "Suck! Suck! Suck!" Remember when the "Lebron Lottery" was going and Cavalier attendance was hovering just about half-full capacity arenas? Lebron comes in and attendance skyrocketed.

OKC doesn't have attendance issues, but a hometown boy making it into the big league would just be killer sweet! It might also convince any lingering Hornet fans from those dark ages to finally jump aboard the Thunder bandwagon... Thunder cloud? Whatev. I want Blake!

soonerfan28

4/8/2009, 10:34 AM

w/DJ White coming back from surgery do they really need Griffin. I'm not saying that White is the quality that Griffin is, but he is good and I would like to see Griffin go to a team that can be a contender w/Blake added to there team. If that can't happen then I hope the Thunder get him.

Collier11

4/8/2009, 11:04 AM

The only team Blake could get drafted by that he could make a contender woudl be Washington in my opinion

soonerfan28

4/8/2009, 11:22 AM

He has apparently said that he would like to go out of state and as far as teams go that could be a contender I wouldn't know. I haven't followed the last couple of year well enough to know who is or isn't.