Experience key for Sooners in COVID era
NORMAN—O U senior forward Brady Manek remembers moving into Headington Hall as a freshman like it was yesterday.
Back when he had a buzzcut and no facial hair with little resemblance to his Larry Bird style he sported Tuesday. Trae Young was then all hype but not the NBA lottery pick he became.
“It went by really fast ,” Manek said. “Now, I'm one of the oldest ones on the team. It's a quick change of events.”
As fellow senior Austin Reaves said: time flies.
And as t he Sooners open practice Wednesday, time has been the best ingredient for the core group of players.
OU has players who have been around the block, which will be key in a strange season likely to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Probably a year where veteran experience does help, no question about it, given the shortened length of practice time, the protocols in and around ballgames, the additional distractions that might be available that the older guys might be able to deal with better than someone coming on as a freshman or a newcomer,” OU coach Lon Kruger said.
“We've got a good mix.” The Sooner send ed last season with a flurry of three big wins in four games — toppling Texas Tech and West Virginia before rallying to stun TCU in what became the season's final game. OU was likely bound for the NCAA Tournament.
Returning is the primary cast — minus Kristian Doolittle — and a mix of some newcomers.
Manek and Reaves will be leaned on heavily, especially early.
K ur Ku a th has shown growth at center. De'Vion Harm on also improved. Having played at Cal State
North ridge and North Texas, Elijah Harkless and Umoja Gibson will provide leadership, even if their waivers are denied after transferring.
“We've got some young guys on the team and they look for someone to push them and do those kinds of things ,” Reaves said. “I think the guys that we have, the seniors that we have, have done that very well. And we'll continue to do that as the coaching staff keeps pushing us to do that.”
Reaves said no players have tested positive for COVID- 19 to this point. But this season will bring on challenges.
If a player tests positive on a 15-man roster, contract tracing alone could decimate the lineup. It could force the postponement or cancellation of games.
“You get pretty worried every week whenever the corona test comes in,” Manek said.
Manek is closely watching the testing for football. He finds hope each week games are played.
“It's going to bea challenge ,” Ma ne ks aid. “Football is doing it well right now. It's better for us. The better football does, the better it looks for us.”
And the more likely it is Manek gets to complete his senior season.
He's the old guy now, having the most experi en ce in the program. It' s a role he' s ready to embrace.
“I've done a lot of things here at O U the last three years,” Manek said. “Ready for this season to play out and see how it ends up.”