What They're Saying About OU Hoops

The Sooners celebrated their newest men's basketball recruiting class earlier this week when Norman native and five-star guard Trae Young officially signed with Oklahoma. Young joins Brady Manek and Hannes Polla, who both signed in November, to complete the class of 2017.

The latest batch of newcomers joins an Oklahoma team returning a core of young talent, including starters Kristian Doolittle, Khadeem Lattin, Kameron McGusty and Rashard Odomes.

With so many returning players, a top-25 recruiting class and the track record of head coach Lon Kruger, there is a lot to be excited about for the future of Oklahoma basketball. Below is a compilation of recent quotes from national media on the upcoming 2017-18 Sooner squad.

"Oklahoma is optimistic for next season. Why? The Sooners beat out Kansas and others for five-star Trae Young, a local kid from Norman North High School. He's a big-time playmaker and shot-maker on the offensive end, and could put up huge numbers immediately as a freshman. Four-star frontcourt pieces Brady Manek and Hannes Polla also enter the program, giving Kruger more size up front. Oklahoma will return everyone besides Woodard, including former ESPN 100 prospects Kameron McGusty and Kristian Doolittle. Throw in Kruger's coaching ability, and this is a team that won't miss the tournament again next season."

-Jeff Borzello, ESPN.com

"Oklahoma went 11-20 this season and lose their top scorer (Jordan Woodard) so what is there to like about this team? A lot, actually. They return virtually every other key piece, and welcome one of the top high school point guards in the country, Trae Young. Given Lon Kruger's track record that's probably enough for them to earn a spot in the Top 25 to start the season."

-Aaron Torres, FoxSports.com

"(Trae Young) is a Final Four-impact get. I'm not saying Oklahoma will repeat what it did with Buddy Hield (who was a four-star recruit) and make a Final Four. But landing such a good point guard could be the building block that gets OU to the NCAA Tournament next season, then perhaps makes the Sooners a threat to play in the Final Four come 2019, 2020 and/or 2021. This commitment could have a snowball effect on other four- or five-star players picking Oklahoma the next two years."

-Matt Norlander, CBS Sports

Joe Lunardi lists the Sooners as a No. 9 seed in his first 2017-18 Bracketology.

-Joe Lunardi, ESPN.com

Team

"Landing a playmaker like (Trae Young) is a significant boost for Oklahoma, especially since it is perpetually chasing the likes of Kansas in the Big 12. The Sooners went to the 2016 Final Four largely because of Buddy Hield's individual brilliance, but the 2016-17 season has been a disappointment without someone like that to consistently lift the team on a nightly basis. While any comparisons to Hield are premature at this point, Young can develop into that type of difference-maker for the Sooners if he lives up to his potential."

-Scott Polacek, Bleacher Report

“Kameron McGusty was the freshman of those young guys that stood out to me…He came in as a scorer. He slashes and shoots. He became the closest thing at Oklahoma to being a go-to guy in February and I love his demeanor. A lot of young guys come into this league, and they'd never let you know it, questioning themselves because everybody is good. They're going 'man, I need to step up my game.' They lose a little bit of confidence and then they regain it. He never lost it. He is ready to step up, make plays and knows he belongs. He'll have a good sophomore year.”

-Bryndon Manzer, Big 12 This Week/ESPN

“Oklahoma under Lon Kruger is noted for its three-guard attack and last season had enormous success with Buddy Hield, Isaiah Cousins and Jordan Woodard. This trio led the Sooners, along with Ryan Spangler, to the Final Four last season as each improved their numbers under Kruger. Young will be a difference-maker taking over for the graduating Woodard. He will help lead a young and talented perimeter which includes current freshmen Kameron McGusty and Kristen Doolittle who both have been having a strong year. Look for the Sooners to be better beyond the arc next year and playing a higher possession game...Kruger is a master of developing talent and his team over time. Next year's roster will be primed to make a move in the Big 12 standings.”

-Jeff Borzello, ESPN.com

-Aaron Torres, FoxSports.com

-Matt Norlander, CBS Sports

-Joe Lunardi, ESPN.com

-Scott Polacek, Bleacher Report

-Bryndon Manzer, Big 12 This Week/ESPN

-Paul Biancardi, ESPN.com

Players Mentioned

Isaiah Cousins

Kristian Doolittle

Buddy Hield

Khadeem Lattin

Brady Manek

Brady Manek

Kameron McGusty

Rashard Odomes

Ryan Spangler

Jordan Woodard

Sponsors

University of Oklahoma Athletics