The Oklahoma Sooners have become one of the best teams in the Big 12 over the past two seasons, but many have been waiting for them to take the next step onto the national stage. Well, this year is looking like it could be that year. Here are three reasons why the Sooners are legitimate Final Four contenders this year:
3) Returning experience
Oklahoma returns four starters from last year's Sweet 16 team, and seven players that all saw significant playing time last year. Sophomore Khadeem Lattin is the only newcomer to that starting lineup, and his defensive presence (one block in 12 minutes per game last year) will serve as a nice complement to Oklahoma's guard-heavy roster.
Three of last year's Final Four teams had at least three returning starters from the previous year's roster, and that experience should give them a leg up on other contenders that are relying on freshmen to carry the load.
2) Shorter shot clock means faster offense
College basketball is moving from a 35-second shot clock to a 30-second shot clock, and while that doesn't seem like a big difference, it significantly sped up the pace of play during the trial period in the NIT last year. That bodes well for Oklahoma for two reasons: they play fast with seven guards in their 10-man rotation, and they often got stagnant when they were forced to execute in their half-court offense last year.
The shorter shot clock should force their playmakers on the perimeter to be more decisive offensively. Expect them to put up around 80 points per game this season.
1) Buddy Hield
The reigning Big 12 Player of the Year is back for his senior year, giving the Sooners one of the premier players in the country that is capable of winning a game by himself. Last year, Hield often tried to do too much on the offensive end last year and his efficiency dipped because of it. His field goal percentage fell from 44.5% to 41.2% and this three-point percentage fell from 38.6 percent to a dismal 35.9 percent.
Having more experience should lead to smarter decisions from him this season, and that means better things for Oklahoma's team as a hole. Look for him to average around 20 points per game and be a legitimate All-American candidate.
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