University of Oklahoma Athletics
Photo by: Ty Russell
Sooners Preview Season at Local Media Day
October 30, 2019 | Men's Basketball
NORMAN - Oklahoma men's basketball held its annual local media day on Wednesday afternoon at Lloyd Noble Center. The event began with a season preview press conference from head coach Lon Kruger followed by a breakout session with all 12 scholarship players.
The Sooners will host their season opener Nov. 5 against UTSA at 7 p.m. inside Lloyd Noble Center. Tickets start at just $10. The game will be broadcast on SoonerSports.TV.
Below is a transcript from Kruger's press conference along with excerpts of player breakout sessions.
A lot of first-time guys out there at the Big 12 level. All had good possessions, all had possessions that showed we have a lot to learn yet, a long way to go - which you expect out of an exhibition game, but it was good to get out there in front of fans and an opponent we're not familiar with and learn. Anxious to get back to practice and get going. I'm excited about the group. They worked hard since June. They had a lot of energy, great enthusiasm, getting to grow, and it's fun to watch this group grow and become a better basketball team each day, and we're excited about doing that."
On the composition of the team:
"Only one senior - Kristian Doolittle has a done a great job with that. Brady (Manek) and Jamal (Bieniemy) returning from last year. Three starters, so that's a great core to begin with and they've done a really good job with pushing the new guys, educating them if you will, and also being efficient. They understand they need a lot of help, the new guys coming in. Austin (Reaves) and Kur (Kuath) were here last year as redshirts, they'll give us additional experience and maturity as well."
On Kristian Doolittle's leadership:
"Kristian Doolittle, he knows what needs to be done and has been around a while. He's understanding he's the only senior and guys are looking to him for direction. He sets the tone in a lot of ways, through energy, whether it's offensively, defensively, motivating in every way. He understands that and he's done a good job with that."
On the new players adjusting to the program:
"That's a process. They've done a really good job. The five freshmen take pride in helping each other, they hang together [a lot], they support each other in a good way. It's a good group from the chemistry standpoint. They like playing, they like getting to the gym and supporting each other. I think that will grow with each ballgame throughout the year."
On Austin Reeves:
"Austin really took full advantage of that redshirt year. At Wichita State, he was more a catch-and-shoot guy. A very good shooter there. Last year he really worked hard putting the ball on the floor, driving, getting separation, free throw shot and being efficient at the rim, put on 15-20 pounds. In every way I thought he really took full advantage of the year where he didn't prepare for games, but where he could prepare for the next year, and he did a good job with that…Taking a year off really expanded his game. Attacking the paint a lot more, making plays off the dribble for others, getting separation free throw shots. I thought that was really good for him in all those ways."
On the student section:
"The students, they did a pretty good job last night. Maybe got caught a little bit with weather, but they contributed. The student group will be better by a lot, they'll be invested and got a good core group working hard, getting worn out. We need them, this group will be a fun group to watch, and an easy group to cheer for. Hopefully students will get out and will do a great job."
On Jamal Bieniemy:
"Jamal is bigger, stronger, worked really hard in the off season. I thought he did a really good job kind of being thrown in last year in January as a starter, had a good Big 12 Season, worked hard in the spring, summer, fall. I think in every way his game has matured and gotten better. He's been team first type of guy. Defensively, he's active, anticipates well, plays good offensively. I think he's just improved in all those areas from a year ago.
On Brady Manek's game:
"Brady also, last year, is probably characterized as a catch-and-shoot a 3 guy. I thought he could really move the ball down the floor, worked hard in the post. I'd like to see him at the 3-point line a little more. Again, in every way, he's been working hard to extend his game beyond just shooting the three point."
On Jalen Hill:
"I thought Jalen played his minutes really well last night. He got the ball well for us, he did everything he needs to do to make us better. He's got good instincts, good size, can play the three, a little bit of the four, the versatility."
On De'vion Harmon:
"De'vion stepped in and made the adjustment very quickly. Since June, he's made big strides each day. He came out of a high school situation with a very good team, very well coached. He has been committed to make very big progress every day and he's done that. He made great decisions last night, not just in regard to the sport of ball, but making good decisions, getting into the paint, or decisions at the rim. Works really hard and does a good job there. I'm really excited about his progress and the direction he's ending."
On the Big 12:
"Just like it's been, every year, obviously Kansas is picked at the top, and then every year it seems like you've got seven, eight teams in the tournament. You don't know which seven to eight teams necessarily, but the other teams that don't go are very good too. It's very balanced. It will be very challenging."
On Blake Griffin, Buddy Hield and Trae Young's success in the NBA:
"It is great. It benefits the program in a huge way. We have ambassadors out there who are not only promoting the University of Oklahoma but doing very well on the court. These guys come back for football games on home weekends, come around our recruits and players when they are in town and played with them this summer. It is great to have representation like that on the national stage."
On OU's relationship with the Thunder:
"It is very strong. The Thunder do an excellent job reaching out to the community, reaching out to other programs and offering assistance anyway they possibly can. Sam Presti is a terrific class act and always does what he can to assist in any way. For them to come to a football game and make it a team-building type opportunity for them is great. The Thunder have always done things in a first class way and have always had the community in mind."
On importance of showing recruits different ways of getting into the NBA:
"It is a big selling point. Anytime recruiting a player, they can see others that have come to the program and done well. Whether it be going to the Final Four as a team or making the top five or six picks in the lottery helps a great deal. Recruits are aware of all of that. Someone said the other day that UCLA was the only other university in the country that had three guys averaging more in the NBA last season. Things like that, kids take notice of and it helps a great deal."
On having a pro team close to campus:
"It is great. It is an opportunity. One of the side benefits is that we probably have more scouts in our practice than anyone else in the country. When teams come in to play the Thunder, assistant coaches and scouts come out here the day before or the day to an afternoon practice. That is good exposure for our guys."
"I am very excited. This is the last time through so I just need to make every game my best."
On season goals:
"Team goals are to finish further than we did last year and to have a better record in the Big 12. I want to win at places I have never won on the road and look forward to that."
On responsibility as a senior:
"It was kind of challenging at the beginning because there is a lot more responsibilities placed in front of me, but now it has become second nature.
On being picked eighth in Big 12 poll:
"It is what it is. Kruger always told us not to pay attention to the rankings and things like that. We are in control of our destiny."
"I think it is just the person I am, the player I am. I am the point guard and leader of this basketball team so it is my job to make sure my guys are ready to play. Win or lose, you can put it on me. Even if you think it isn't on me, put it on me. I want to accept that role and I have accepted that role."
On relationship with football players Trejan Bridges, Austin Stogner and Theo Wease:
"Those are my guys. That is Dallas, D-Town, and that is what we represent. I think all of us being here is great for the city of Dallas. Being able to watch them do their thing on the football field, I love it. Those are my guys and I've known them for years, so it is a different type of relationship and bond. Now they are able to watch me. The night before the game, Trejan texted me and told me that we were built for this. We are a few kids from Dallas trying to make a dream come true."
"De'Vion and I have played on the same team before so I knew him. Jalen and I came here on our visit together so I have a relationship with him. Some of the other guys and I have hung out together. We have a really good top-10 freshman in the country so we have a chance to be really good with the freshman."
On De'Vion's age:
"We are all freshman. When he gets on the court, he is a different player; everyone should be like that. Once you get on the court, you don't want to think you are a freshman, you want to think you are better than everyone; he does that. Outside basketball, we all play around."
"In terms of play style, I think the game is a lot faster here. It is a lot more physical and I think that is the biggest difference I have seen between the two. Other than that, I think in terms of how we play, it is quite similar other than physicality and speed."
On seeing success of guys like Buddy Hield, Trae Young and Blake Griffin:
"It is motivation seeing guys come through this program. Seeing guys like Buddy who was here for three or four years and for him to do better each year is motivation for me to come in and try to repeat what he did. I want to try and improve each year and at the end of it become a pro."
"I try and talk to all of these guys and keep them positive and motivated to keep going and get better every day."
On benefits of being the only freshman last season:
"I mean for me personally it fits my personality. I don't really talk that much off the court; I am pretty quiet. Being the only freshman was nice for me. Having to work to keep up with those guys every day in practice helped me a lot."
On the team going into the season:
"We can be a really good team. We can be as good as we want to be, as much as we communicate can be as good as we be and as much as we rebound can be as good as we can be."
"Whatever Coach needs I'll be able to do. Whether that's drive the ball, shoot it, defend. Just a little bit of everything."
On getting back on the floor on Tuesday versus a real opponent:
"It felt great. We've been preparing all summer and fall. It was great to get out there with the team, it felt good."
On the big freshman class:
"It's different for sure (being a large class). I feel like it definitely is different from a coach's standpoint. We've never had a recruiting class this big, and we just all get along. We'll really gelling and coming along."
"Just doing what I need to do to help the team win. That's what it comes down to is winning games. I'm going to do whatever it takes."
On being a leader for De'Vion and the younger guys:
"I had guys like that with me when I was at Wichita State. I mean he's a lot more further along than I was at Wichita, but you need someone to look up to when times get hard. So if needs anything, I'll be here. He can ask me anything."
"I chose OU because it kind of reminded me of my junior college. We kind of play the same way and on my visit here, all the coaches and players were showing me a lot of love so it kind of made me feel like part of the family. I was already so comfortable with everything and could see myself here. I was like 'this is going to be a good fit'. And anybody would want to play under a hall of fame coach like Coach Kruger. You can learn a lot of things that you might not learn at other places and other players don't know.
On what he's going to bring to the floor:
"I'm going to bring a lot of energy and athleticism to the court and do what I need to do."
"Just probably talking to the younger guys. Making sure they know things or shortcuts that will help them in the long run. Just those pieces of advice that they can take away from certain situations."
On being ready for the season to start:
"I'm looking forward to it. I'm just ready to get to it. It's been a long summer. We've put in a lot of time. Now, getting ready for this first game vs. UTSA and before we know it we'll be in conference play. These first two years flew by and I think they've built up to this being a fun season."
The Sooners will host their season opener Nov. 5 against UTSA at 7 p.m. inside Lloyd Noble Center. Tickets start at just $10. The game will be broadcast on SoonerSports.TV.
Below is a transcript from Kruger's press conference along with excerpts of player breakout sessions.
HEAD COACH LON KRUGER
Opening statement:A lot of first-time guys out there at the Big 12 level. All had good possessions, all had possessions that showed we have a lot to learn yet, a long way to go - which you expect out of an exhibition game, but it was good to get out there in front of fans and an opponent we're not familiar with and learn. Anxious to get back to practice and get going. I'm excited about the group. They worked hard since June. They had a lot of energy, great enthusiasm, getting to grow, and it's fun to watch this group grow and become a better basketball team each day, and we're excited about doing that."
On the composition of the team:
"Only one senior - Kristian Doolittle has a done a great job with that. Brady (Manek) and Jamal (Bieniemy) returning from last year. Three starters, so that's a great core to begin with and they've done a really good job with pushing the new guys, educating them if you will, and also being efficient. They understand they need a lot of help, the new guys coming in. Austin (Reaves) and Kur (Kuath) were here last year as redshirts, they'll give us additional experience and maturity as well."
On Kristian Doolittle's leadership:
"Kristian Doolittle, he knows what needs to be done and has been around a while. He's understanding he's the only senior and guys are looking to him for direction. He sets the tone in a lot of ways, through energy, whether it's offensively, defensively, motivating in every way. He understands that and he's done a good job with that."
On the new players adjusting to the program:
"That's a process. They've done a really good job. The five freshmen take pride in helping each other, they hang together [a lot], they support each other in a good way. It's a good group from the chemistry standpoint. They like playing, they like getting to the gym and supporting each other. I think that will grow with each ballgame throughout the year."
On Austin Reeves:
"Austin really took full advantage of that redshirt year. At Wichita State, he was more a catch-and-shoot guy. A very good shooter there. Last year he really worked hard putting the ball on the floor, driving, getting separation, free throw shot and being efficient at the rim, put on 15-20 pounds. In every way I thought he really took full advantage of the year where he didn't prepare for games, but where he could prepare for the next year, and he did a good job with that…Taking a year off really expanded his game. Attacking the paint a lot more, making plays off the dribble for others, getting separation free throw shots. I thought that was really good for him in all those ways."
On the student section:
"The students, they did a pretty good job last night. Maybe got caught a little bit with weather, but they contributed. The student group will be better by a lot, they'll be invested and got a good core group working hard, getting worn out. We need them, this group will be a fun group to watch, and an easy group to cheer for. Hopefully students will get out and will do a great job."
On Jamal Bieniemy:
"Jamal is bigger, stronger, worked really hard in the off season. I thought he did a really good job kind of being thrown in last year in January as a starter, had a good Big 12 Season, worked hard in the spring, summer, fall. I think in every way his game has matured and gotten better. He's been team first type of guy. Defensively, he's active, anticipates well, plays good offensively. I think he's just improved in all those areas from a year ago.
On Brady Manek's game:
"Brady also, last year, is probably characterized as a catch-and-shoot a 3 guy. I thought he could really move the ball down the floor, worked hard in the post. I'd like to see him at the 3-point line a little more. Again, in every way, he's been working hard to extend his game beyond just shooting the three point."
On Jalen Hill:
"I thought Jalen played his minutes really well last night. He got the ball well for us, he did everything he needs to do to make us better. He's got good instincts, good size, can play the three, a little bit of the four, the versatility."
On De'vion Harmon:
"De'vion stepped in and made the adjustment very quickly. Since June, he's made big strides each day. He came out of a high school situation with a very good team, very well coached. He has been committed to make very big progress every day and he's done that. He made great decisions last night, not just in regard to the sport of ball, but making good decisions, getting into the paint, or decisions at the rim. Works really hard and does a good job there. I'm really excited about his progress and the direction he's ending."
On the Big 12:
"Just like it's been, every year, obviously Kansas is picked at the top, and then every year it seems like you've got seven, eight teams in the tournament. You don't know which seven to eight teams necessarily, but the other teams that don't go are very good too. It's very balanced. It will be very challenging."
On Blake Griffin, Buddy Hield and Trae Young's success in the NBA:
"It is great. It benefits the program in a huge way. We have ambassadors out there who are not only promoting the University of Oklahoma but doing very well on the court. These guys come back for football games on home weekends, come around our recruits and players when they are in town and played with them this summer. It is great to have representation like that on the national stage."
On OU's relationship with the Thunder:
"It is very strong. The Thunder do an excellent job reaching out to the community, reaching out to other programs and offering assistance anyway they possibly can. Sam Presti is a terrific class act and always does what he can to assist in any way. For them to come to a football game and make it a team-building type opportunity for them is great. The Thunder have always done things in a first class way and have always had the community in mind."
On importance of showing recruits different ways of getting into the NBA:
"It is a big selling point. Anytime recruiting a player, they can see others that have come to the program and done well. Whether it be going to the Final Four as a team or making the top five or six picks in the lottery helps a great deal. Recruits are aware of all of that. Someone said the other day that UCLA was the only other university in the country that had three guys averaging more in the NBA last season. Things like that, kids take notice of and it helps a great deal."
On having a pro team close to campus:
"It is great. It is an opportunity. One of the side benefits is that we probably have more scouts in our practice than anyone else in the country. When teams come in to play the Thunder, assistant coaches and scouts come out here the day before or the day to an afternoon practice. That is good exposure for our guys."
SENIOR FORWARD KRISTIAN DOOLITTLE
On the excitement of senior season:"I am very excited. This is the last time through so I just need to make every game my best."
On season goals:
"Team goals are to finish further than we did last year and to have a better record in the Big 12. I want to win at places I have never won on the road and look forward to that."
On responsibility as a senior:
"It was kind of challenging at the beginning because there is a lot more responsibilities placed in front of me, but now it has become second nature.
On being picked eighth in Big 12 poll:
"It is what it is. Kruger always told us not to pay attention to the rankings and things like that. We are in control of our destiny."
FRESHMAN GUARD DE'VION HARMON
On wanting responsibility placed on him:"I think it is just the person I am, the player I am. I am the point guard and leader of this basketball team so it is my job to make sure my guys are ready to play. Win or lose, you can put it on me. Even if you think it isn't on me, put it on me. I want to accept that role and I have accepted that role."
On relationship with football players Trejan Bridges, Austin Stogner and Theo Wease:
"Those are my guys. That is Dallas, D-Town, and that is what we represent. I think all of us being here is great for the city of Dallas. Being able to watch them do their thing on the football field, I love it. Those are my guys and I've known them for years, so it is a different type of relationship and bond. Now they are able to watch me. The night before the game, Trejan texted me and told me that we were built for this. We are a few kids from Dallas trying to make a dream come true."
FRESHMAN FORWARD VICTOR IWUAKOR
On the group of freshmen:"De'Vion and I have played on the same team before so I knew him. Jalen and I came here on our visit together so I have a relationship with him. Some of the other guys and I have hung out together. We have a really good top-10 freshman in the country so we have a chance to be really good with the freshman."
On De'Vion's age:
"We are all freshman. When he gets on the court, he is a different player; everyone should be like that. Once you get on the court, you don't want to think you are a freshman, you want to think you are better than everyone; he does that. Outside basketball, we all play around."
FRESHMAN FORWARD ANYANG GARANG
On difference between Big 12 basketball and NBA Global Academy:"In terms of play style, I think the game is a lot faster here. It is a lot more physical and I think that is the biggest difference I have seen between the two. Other than that, I think in terms of how we play, it is quite similar other than physicality and speed."
On seeing success of guys like Buddy Hield, Trae Young and Blake Griffin:
"It is motivation seeing guys come through this program. Seeing guys like Buddy who was here for three or four years and for him to do better each year is motivation for me to come in and try to repeat what he did. I want to try and improve each year and at the end of it become a pro."
SOPHOMORE GUARD JAMAL BIENIEMY
On helping the newcomers this year:"I try and talk to all of these guys and keep them positive and motivated to keep going and get better every day."
On benefits of being the only freshman last season:
"I mean for me personally it fits my personality. I don't really talk that much off the court; I am pretty quiet. Being the only freshman was nice for me. Having to work to keep up with those guys every day in practice helped me a lot."
On the team going into the season:
"We can be a really good team. We can be as good as we want to be, as much as we communicate can be as good as we be and as much as we rebound can be as good as we can be."
FRESHMAN FORWARD JALEN HILL
On what he's going to contribute to the team:"Whatever Coach needs I'll be able to do. Whether that's drive the ball, shoot it, defend. Just a little bit of everything."
On getting back on the floor on Tuesday versus a real opponent:
"It felt great. We've been preparing all summer and fall. It was great to get out there with the team, it felt good."
On the big freshman class:
"It's different for sure (being a large class). I feel like it definitely is different from a coach's standpoint. We've never had a recruiting class this big, and we just all get along. We'll really gelling and coming along."
JUNIOR GUARD AUSTIN REAVES
On what he sees his role as this season:"Just doing what I need to do to help the team win. That's what it comes down to is winning games. I'm going to do whatever it takes."
On being a leader for De'Vion and the younger guys:
"I had guys like that with me when I was at Wichita State. I mean he's a lot more further along than I was at Wichita, but you need someone to look up to when times get hard. So if needs anything, I'll be here. He can ask me anything."
JUNIOR GUARD ALONDES WILLIAMS
On choosing OU out of JUCO:"I chose OU because it kind of reminded me of my junior college. We kind of play the same way and on my visit here, all the coaches and players were showing me a lot of love so it kind of made me feel like part of the family. I was already so comfortable with everything and could see myself here. I was like 'this is going to be a good fit'. And anybody would want to play under a hall of fame coach like Coach Kruger. You can learn a lot of things that you might not learn at other places and other players don't know.
On what he's going to bring to the floor:
"I'm going to bring a lot of energy and athleticism to the court and do what I need to do."
JUNIOR FORWARD BRADY MANEK
On being a leader:"Just probably talking to the younger guys. Making sure they know things or shortcuts that will help them in the long run. Just those pieces of advice that they can take away from certain situations."
On being ready for the season to start:
"I'm looking forward to it. I'm just ready to get to it. It's been a long summer. We've put in a lot of time. Now, getting ready for this first game vs. UTSA and before we know it we'll be in conference play. These first two years flew by and I think they've built up to this being a fun season."
Players Mentioned
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