BRING ON THE LON!
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Yes, time to find out if Romero is all he was hyped to be by Felton J., or if that was his way of begging for another year"We haven't won the last couple years, but just three years ago we were playing a game to get to the Final Four," the first-year Sooners coach said. "So we're not that far removed.
Oklahoma has a great tradition, and our guys understand that. They understand they need to take a lot of pride in doing whatever they can as a group to get us back to that level.
"Right now it's a case of not worrying too much about what's down the road, but investing everything they possibly can every day. Our guys are gaining a sense of that responsibility. They're sincere about lining up and trying to take care of it."
The fact that Mississippi State transfer Romero Osby is now eligible after sitting out the 2010-11 season should help OU's task.
"From day one he has been a terrific worker," Kruger said. "His attitude is very good. He's a good leader. He's all about the team.
ESPN also did an article yesterday here.
I think little poke general Travis Ford goes later today and Bil Self went earlier today:How successful the Oklahoma men's basketball team is going to be on the court with first-year coach Lon Kruger remains to be seen.
Off the court, though, Kruger has made his presence known on the recruiting trail. With a proven track record and a friendly personality, Kruger has already nabbed two quality shooting guards in Buddy Hield (Wichita, Kan./Sunrise Christian) and Je'lon Hornbeak (Arlington, Texas/Grace Prep).
Hornbeak was one of several top Sooners targets in attendance for OU's Hoops Jam on Sunday night, a free event for fans to watch the team practice.
[+] EnlargeLon Kruger
AP Photo/Sue OgrockiNew Sooners coach Lon Kruger is making an effort to show attention to in-state prospects.
"It went very well," Hornbeak said. "I had my whole family there to watch, and they really liked the atmosphere. Coach Kruger just comes at you with open arms and makes you feel appreciated."
One of the biggest ways Kruger is showing his appreciation is by targeting in-state prospects, something former coach Jeff Capel didn't often do.
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I hope everyone is getting some jabs in A&M's direction too"We don't like Missouri a lot," Self said. "I hear from other people they don't care for us that much. (But there's) one thing about rivalries. When you get in a situation like this, there is the hidden mutual respect that kind of comes out. I think that does exist. I would hate to lose that. I really would. This league, I can't speak for everybody, but speaking from my vantage point, I would love to have Missouri in it. Love it.
"But I also think this: It's not the same situation that it has been in months past or 18 months ago where the league is jeopardy. I feel good about our league. I think our league is probably stronger today than it ever has been because you have key players (read: Oklahoma, Texas) in our league that seem to be on the same page more than they ever have been. It's not like Missouri is putting our league in jeopardy. I don't feel that at all."
