What's Our Buddy Been Up to?

Over the past four years, Buddy Hield wowed fans at the Lloyd Noble Center with his heroics. After next week's NBA Draft, #BuddyBuckets will have a new arena to call home. SoonerSports.com caught up with the reigning National Player of the Year to talk about his draft preparation, time at Oklahoma, graduation and more.

On earning his degree at OU and what it meant to have commencement at Lloyd Noble Center:
“It was great to get that degree. It is something you strive for going into college. It was also really big for my family. A degree is something I can always fall back on when basketball is over with. At the ceremony, they let me lead the OU chant. When they called my name to go across the stage, there was a huge standing ovation. It was special to be at Lloyd Noble Center and receive a standing ovation for the last time, especially since that's where I did all of my work. I want to thank all of the people that supported me and I know they were proud. Not just for basketball, but for finishing school. We didn't finish the year like we wanted in the Final Four, but I felt I ended on top after it was all said and done. I earned my degree.”

After some time to reflect, on what last season meant to him:
“It was a great season besides that last game. I don't talk about it a lot. Obviously we didn't want to get beat like that, but it still meant a lot to reach Houston. In the Bahamas growing up, I prayed to God to play in the Final Four someday. It was a blessing to play with my teammates and to get there for Coach (Lon) Kruger. It was a blessing for a lot of people. Coach (Steve) Henson, Coach (Lew) Hill both got head coaching jobs. It opened a lot of doors. I'm happy for the staff, all of the families, OU alumni, to experience the biggest stage. No matter what happens in the future, I can say I played in the Final Four. It was on my bucket list.”

"We didn't finish the year like we wanted in the Final Four, but I felt I ended on top after it was all said and done. I earned my degree.”
Buddy Hield

On his assessment of the team OU has coming back next season:
“They are young, but they are going to be solid. Guys will continue to improve every day. The key will be to play together and always be selfless. Everyone play together as a group and listen to Coach Kruger. He knows what he's doing. As long as they play hard, buy in to the system and play for each other, they will do big things again.”

On where he currently is working out prior to the NBA Draft next week:
“I'm out in Anaheim (Calif.) working out. Working on my game, training hard. I'm working on weaknesses, working on floaters, just a bunch of moves that can help me. I want to be a better Buddy at the next level. I want to elevate my game. I don't want to be an average rookie when I go into the League. When I play next season, I expect to play and compete with the best each and every night.”

On what is the coolest thing he's experienced over the summer:
“Coolest thing I have done, I have to say, is work out with Kobe Bryant. It's definitely a learning experience, but it is still awesome. Most kids can't say Kobe taught them something. We recently worked out for two hours. He taught me a lot. It's invaluable to learn from one of the best to ever play the game. He helped me out with a lot of foot work stuff. Also, where I can get open, how to be a better player on the court. Overall ways to improve so I can hit the ground running when I get to my new team.”

On where he will be on NBA Draft night:
“On draft night, I'll be in New York. I am excited to share the moment with my family. I know it's about me, but it's about my family as well because they've been by my side. I can't wait until the commissioner calls my name. I know it will also be a special moment for people in the Bahamas, as well for the current team at Oklahoma. One day they can also reach that goal of having their names called. I can't wait.”

On what teams are looking for in his draft workouts:
“Workouts consist of things that you can improve on or things they want you to improve on. They want to see if you can do certain things. Specifically, I've had to do a lot of coming off screens. They want to put you in uncomfortable positions. They want to see things out of you that they haven't seen on film.”

On the rumor he recently made 85 out of 100 3-pointers in a draft workout with the Boston Celtics:
“That's true. I was mad because really, should have hit 90.”

After he signs his first NBA contract, on what he will purchase:
“I'm going to buy my mom a house and put money back into the church. Give back to God."

On his message to Sooner Nation entering his NBA career:
“I really appreciate everyone that has supported me the past four years. Oklahoma is my second home. When I get done with the draft process, I plan to come back and see people that invested in me. Oklahoma is different than the Bahamas, but people are so genuine. I'm a Sooner fan for life. If I have children someday, they'll be Sooners, no doubt.”

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Buddy Hield

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