Men's Basketball Captains Named

Sept. 17, 2010

NORMAN, Okla. -- Oklahoma head men's basketball coach Jeff Capel announced today his team's captains for the 2010-11 season. They are senior Cade Davis, juniors T.J. Franklin and Nick Thompson, and sophomore Andrew Fitzgerald.

"Cade, Fitz, T.J. Franklin, and Nick were selected as captains because of the qualities they displayed in summer workouts and have shown thus far in our preseason program," said Capel. "We've had several players who have shown qualities of a captain, but these guys were selected by their teammates and have the full support of our coaching staff. I am confident they will do an excellent job of leading this year's team."

Davis, OU's lone senior, is the team's leading returner in minutes, scoring, rebounding, assists, steals and 3-pointers. From Elk City, Okla., last year he averaged 9.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.0 assist and a team-high 1.5 steals per game. He averaged 12.5 points over the last 12 games (second highest average on team).

Franklin, a walk-on, was selected despite totaling just 52 minutes over his first two seasons. The point guard has never allowed his limited court time to affect how hard he works or his dedication to the team.

2010-11 Men's Basketball Roster | Schedule | Blog | Ticket Info.

Thompson, a 6-9 forward, has yet to play a game in an OU uniform. However, the junior college transfer has developed a strong rapport with his teammates and has embraced the opportunity to help lead the team with his strong work ethic since arriving on campus this summer.

Fitzgerald, the youngest of OU's captains, played in 26 games as a freshman last year and averaged 4.8 points. The forward made big strides toward the end of the season and in back-to-back games against No. 7 Kansas State and No. 1 Kansas averaged 15.0 points and 5.5 rebounds.

Following are quotes from all four captains:

Cade Davis | Senior | Guard

"I think each of the four of us brings something different as players and as captains. One thing we have in common is that I think we're all hard workers. Nick, Andrew and T.J. all worked their butts off in the offseason and are more than deserving of this role."

"With this being my senior year, I feel tons of urgency and I put a lot of pressure on myself to make sure we do everything we can to have a successful year. With me being the only senior and one of the few guys with significant playing experience, I just want to come out and do my best to make sure the guys are prepared. We need to have a good season after last year."

T.J. Franklin | Junior | Guard

"It's an honor and a privilege. My biggest thing as captain will just be to set an example. I try to do everything hard and do it right. I try to set a tone for everyone else, whether it's 5 o'clock in the morning, or in practice or in a game -- make sure I bring it every day and go all out. Hopefully the younger guys will see me and follow suit.

"I know I have some influence over some of the guys on the team and I guess (my selection) shows that I'm doing something right. I love this school, I love my teammates and I just try to do everything I can to help them. That's been my motivation. It's a testament to my hard work, my consistency and my passion I have for the University of Oklahoma and basketball itself.."

Nick Thompson | Junior | Forward

"I appreciate the fact I was named a captain and I appreciate the guys and coaches for thinking I'm someone for that position. But for me, I still think I have a lot to prove. I haven't stepped on the court for an official practice or a game yet. But it's nice to be named a captain and I'm going to do that to the best of my ability. At the same time, I feel like I still have a lot to prove, and I plan on doing that.

"I think one of the obvious reasons I was selected is that I'm one of the older guys on a young team. I don't have any D-I experience, but I do have good basketball experience. The fact that I show up and work hard every day, I think people can respect that and feed off that. I think that might be the main reason I was chosen. Apparently I was doing something right to be named captain, so I'm just going to keep approaching every day the same.

"Being a young team, I think we need to look at every day as an opportunity and take full advantage of every chance we have to improve as a team and as individuals."

Andrew Fitzgerald | Sophomore | Forward

"I'm very honored to be a team captain. I'm just going to lead my team the best way I can. I want my teammates to feel comfortable to come talk to me about any situation, on the court or off the court. If one of my teammates is slacking, I will be that leader to talk to them and tell them to pick it up. All of the guys respond very well to me because I've built a great relationship with them. I'm not the one who's going to yell and try to get in their face. I'm going to approach to them in a respectful way. People respond well to that."

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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