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5 Questions with Crimson and Cream Machine

By rockchalk

Here are the questions Matt over at Crimson and Cream Machine answered for me. Head on over there to see my answers to some of his tough questions.

1) How has Jeff Capel done in his first season as the head coach of Oklahoma?

Jeff Capel has exceeded expectations of most Sooner fans this season. His team has shown lots of heart and hustle and they haven't backed down from anyone despite being outmanned most nights.

He has proven his coaching merit to the Sooner nation by getting the most from a team that doesn't have a pure scorer or a decent point guard. Despite the current losing streak this team is light years ahead of where it was to start the season.

After Saturday's ten point loss to Texas Capel left the floor to a standing ovation. It's been a long time since a Sooner coach was applauded after losing to the Longhorns.

2) How good could Oklahoma have been had Oklahoma recruits Scottie
Reynolds (now with Villanova) and Damion James (now with Texas) had
stayed with Oklahoma? Would you be in the NCAA's?

Both of those guys would have been starters on this squad but Reynolds was the most hurtful because of the need OU had for someone to run the show. James doesn't seem to be the scoring threat that Reynolds is rather a big scrappy rebounder and defender. Also take into consideration that James has also been overshadowed but the outstanding play of Texas's other freshmen, most notably Kevin Durant.

Put these two on OU's roster and this team easily has at least three more wins (Iowa State, Missouri, OSU in Stillwater) in conference and yes I think they would be an NCAA Tournament team.

3) Who has been the biggest surprise on Oklahoma this season?

Both of those guys would have been starters on this squad but Reynolds was the most hurtful because of the need OU had for someone to run the show. James doesn't seem to be the scoring threat that Reynolds is rather a big scrappy rebounder and defender. Also take into consideration that James has also been overshadowed but the outstanding play of Texas's other freshmen, most notably Kevin Durant.

Put these two on OU's roster and this team easily has at least three more wins (Iowa State, Missouri, OSU in Stillwater) in conference and yes I think they would be an NCAA Tournament team.

4) Looking ahead to next season, how good will the Sooners be?

It depends on the recruiting class! OU has already received a verbal commitment from McDonalds All-American Blake Griffin and rumors have it that it is coming down between OU and Kentucky for Jai Lucas.

The Sooners lose two starters to graduation (Nate Carter, Michael Neal) after this season but the addition of guys like Lucas and Griffin could send the Sooners back into the conference hunt and the NCAA next season.

5) What's your prediction for tomorrow night's game? Will the hometown crowd in Norman propel the Sooners to an upset?

OU but there will be a night and day difference between the talent on the floor between these two teams. Kansas has several scoring options while the Sooners will struggle to find just one. OU will play scrappy enough to make it interesting but even with the home court advantage won't have the guns to run with the Jayhawks.

Kansas will have to produce their worst performance of the season to lose this game.
Kansas 77 - OU 59

Thanks again to Matt, check out the CC Machine for pregame, during game and post game chatter.

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