Sooners' freshman class looking to make big impact
NORMAN — This year's freshman class is hoping to have a big impact for the Sooners.
Oklahoma has five freshmen on scholarship, Anyang Garang, De'Vion Harm on, J al en Hill, Rick Issanza and Victor Iwuakor. The group has high expectations for this season and the future.
“We have a really good chance to be really good,” Iwuakor said. “De'Vion, J alen, myself, some of those other guys, I think our freshmen are really good, and we'll be here for a couple more years, so we have a chance to do really good.”
Harmon is at the center of this freshman class. He started in the Sooners' exhibition game Tuesday against Southeastern State and scored 22 points.
Harmon has balanced being a freshman and a leader well, Oklahoma coach Lon Kruger said. Harmon said he wants the responsibility to make this team better put on him, and that attitude is just part of who he is.
“I'm the point guard. I'm the leader of this basketball team, so it's my job to make sure my guys are ready every night. Win, lose, you can put it on me.”
After the exhibition game, Kruger said he thought Hill was the most consistent of the team's newcomers.
Hill said he's had to adjust to the pace and physicality of the college game, but he has high hopes for this freshman class.
“I think we have an extraordinary class,” Hill said. “I think we can have
one of the best classes Coach Kruger has ever had, for sure, and we can go a long way.”
Doolittle embracing role as lone senior
Kristian Doolittle is the only senior on Oklahoma's roster this year.
Being the lone senior has been very leadership oriented, Doolittle said. He's had to speak up and help others more, and he's tried to explain things to his teammates in a different way from his coaches.
Doolittle has also had a role in helping the freshmen and other newcomers adjust to the team.
“It can be stressful at times ,” Doolittle said. “I've grown. I've had to learn how to be patient.”
With all of the new people on the team, though, Doolittle said he wasn't expecting anything different. He's been trying to help get them used to Oklahoma's schemes and terms, and, now that the Sooners are starting to play games, everyone is getting the hang of things.
Doolittle has goals for himself in his final season. He wants to have a successful season and help the Sooners make NCAA Tournament.
Kruger said Doolittle has set the tone with his energy and effort.
“Kristian Doolittle knows what needs to be done,” Kruger said. “He's been around for awhile. He's understanding that he's the only senior and those other guys are looking to him for direction.”