Sooners Officially Usher in 2014-15 Season

NORMAN -- The Oklahoma men's basketball team held its first official practice of the season Monday, a two-and-a-half-hour workout on the Lloyd Noble Center main court that focused on defense and rebounding.

After a year in which the Sooners flourished offensively (they ranked seventh out of 351 NCAA Division I teams by averaging 81.9 points a game), head coach Lon Kruger said this year's group will spend a lot of time emphasizing getting better on the other side of the floor.

"Covering the dribble and rebounding are probably our two biggest keys in terms of identity, and we've got to improve in those areas," said Kruger, who coached the Sooners to a 23-10 record last year, a second-place Big 12 finish and a No. 5 NCAA Tournament seed.

Junior forward Ryan Spangler, who averaged 9.6 points and a Big 12-high 9.3 rebounds per game last year, said he was pleased with this season's initial practice.

"I think it was probably the best first day we've had since I got here," said Spangler, who's in his third year with the program. "I think we're further along than we've ever been at this point and that's because we were all here this summer working hard."

Spangler made it a point to improve his shot in the offseason and he converted from mid-range and 3-point distance often Monday afternoon.

"I've just got to be smart about picking my spots," he explained about his more aggressive offensive approach. "I worked hard all summer on that and I want to be able to do that this year for the team; just help the guards and spread out our offense."

One of five newcomers to the program, freshman Khadeem Lattin said the workout was both enjoyable and challenging.

"It was cool but it was tough," said Lattin, the nation's No. 72-ranked recruit by 247Sports. "It was fast-paced and tough to stay focused and stay locked in, but I managed to get through it and I know I'm only going to get better. The biggest thing for me is just figuring out the mental part of the process. Physically I believe I'm there, so just mentally I have to keep that focus when we're two-and-a-half hours into practice."

When asked what Kruger stressed on Monday, Lattin did not hesitate with his answer.

"Defense and rebounding," he said. "The guys say they didn't do too well with that last year and they managed to get as far as they did. Now Coach is looking to help us take that next step by doing those things better. That's something I'm comfortable with. I like rebounding, blocking shots, getting out and making good plays; just doing the little things. We're going to go far by doing that."

The Sooners will practice Tuesday through Friday this week at 2 p.m. in the Lloyd Noble Center main arena. OU's practices are open to the public and fans are encouraged to attend and meet the players and staff.

OU opens the 2014-15 season with a Nov. 7 exhibition game against Washburn at 7 p.m. at Lloyd Noble Center. To purchase season tickets or six-game mini plans, fans can call (800) 456-4668 or click here.