Buddy's Take on Sooner Hoops

NORMAN - It's always good to return home.

Sacramento Kings second-year guard Buddy Hield is in Oklahoma to face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday at Chesapeake Energy Arena. With an afternoon off in OKC, Hield headed down to Norman to watch the Sooners' Sunday practice and greet the team afterward.

Hield is averaging 12. points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists with the Kings this season, shooting .437 from the field and .441 from 3-point range. He played a major role in Oklahoma's last top-10 squad (2015-16), leading the Sooners to the 2016 Final Four.

Following practice, SoonerSports.com caught up with the 2016 National Player of the Year to talk about his alma mater and its exciting season.

How important was it to come see your old team?

“It was really important. Just to get back into the old building and see the guys. The guys are doing well. I just wanted to come and check it out. You can't forget where you came from. I just wanted to touch base and maybe get to talk to the guys for a little bit. Give them a little word of encouragement and let them know how well they are playing, but tell them to stay the course, know the plan. The plan is to finish off the Big 12 play and get to the NCAA Tournament and try and make some noise there.”

How fun has it been to watch this team this season?

“It is really fun… Trae Young and all of his festivities that he has been doing, the way the team is playing together. They are moving the ball, playing great defense and they are winning. Everybody loves a team that wins. They're so exciting. The arena is full and you can tell how the fans are enjoying the season.”

How important is having so much depth and different lineups that OU can throw at opponents?

“It is very important because you have guys that can shoot the ball really well. You have Kam (McGusty) coming from the bench, you got Christian (James), you got Rashard (Odoms) and you got Brady (Manek) that can stretch the floor really well. You really have to pick your poison. And you have Trae handling the ball. He is making plays and is a willing passer. One of the best passers in college all year. With his play making ability and the guys that can make shots, it is tough to guard.”

How would you evaluate Trae Young's game?

“One thing I like with Trae is his poise and how he is handling his success. A lot of guys you don't know how they will handle it, especially when as a freshman. And the way that he is making plays. As a scorer, you know everyone wants to score. Guys just know 10- 12 assists...But he is being phenomenal. I just want to tell him to keep it up and stay the course. Everything is in the right step for him, he just needs to keep on leading his team.”

Does it make you proud to be an alumnus of this program?

“For sure. In spite of the bad year that they had last year – to see the program turn around again, it shows how great of a coach Coach Kruger is. We should have more recruits here. You see the playing style, you should want to come play at Oklahoma because it is fun to play.”

How important was it to come see your old team?

How fun has it been to watch this team this season?

How important is having so much depth and different lineups that OU can throw at opponents?

How would you evaluate Trae Young's game?

Does it make you proud to be an alumnus of this program?

Players Mentioned

Trae Young

Trae Young

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University of Oklahoma Athletics