Lon Kruger was waiting for one final decision, from his best player, before setting his expectations straight for this upcoming season at Oklahoma.
On Friday morning, those expectations rose to a another level as soon-to-be senior guard Buddy Hield announced he was returning to Norman instead of launching an early career in the NBA.
The decision has been made. #BuddyIsBack #Sooners http://t.co/vECTjH8luR pic.twitter.com/Fp6EJhYeYL
— Oklahoma Basketball (@OU_MBBall) April 24, 2015
Hield averaged 17.4 points per game, 5.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists last season while leading the Sooners to a third place finish in the Big 12 conference (first ranked conference in country, according to RPI rankings) and a trip to the Sweet 16.
The Freeport, GB native was a third team All-American and was one of 15 finalists for the Wooden Award this past season. He is one of the best on-ball defenders in the country, has a unique ability in transition and can knock down outside shots as well as attack off the bounce.
Hield adds to an already experienced, defensive orientated backcourt that features Jordan Woodard and Isaiah Cousins. The Sooners also return big man and senior Ryan Spangler, Khadeem Lattin and Dinjiyl Walker while adding key contributors Dante Buford and Akolda Manyang.
Oklahoma should be a top 10 team and will be expected to finish in the top three of the Big 12 again.
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*Featured Photo (above) credit to Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
