Because of that, coach Lon Kruger was counting on the young guard playing a prime role in the Sooners offense this season.
Earlier this season – you remember, when the Sooner men were above water and winning more than they were losing – the plan for the sophomore guard from Houston appeared to be playing out exactly as hoped for.
After 10 games, OU’s record was a not great, but still respectable 6-4, and James was averaging close to 13 points a game. In his first dozen games in 2016-17, the 6-foot, 4-inch swing man had posted 10 double-digit scoring games, with a high of 17 points on two separate occasions.