2005 Oklahoma Sooners Basketball Preview

2005 Oklahoma Sooners Team Preview

The Sooners have lost a slew of guards—three to be specific—and six players total since last season ended with a Second Round Tournament loss to Utah. At first glance you might think that guards Drew Lavender (9.7 PPG), Lawrence McKenzie (9.5 PPG), and Jaison Williams (6.8 PPG) will be missed. However together they averaged just 39% in shooting from the floor.

Now consider the contributions of returning Sooner seniors Kevin Bookout, Terrell Everett, and Taj Gray who together averaged 53% when shooting. That percentage and their respective 11.5, 12.5, and 14.6 points per game and 6.6, 4.8, and 8.2 rebounds per contest reveal that Oklahoma has lost a minimal amount of firepower and muscle.

At 6’ 8” and 259 pounds Bookout can throw his weight around and muscle his way throughout the frontcourt where he shot almost 60% last season. Gray, the other starting forward, offers rebounding talent, hustle, and an ability to take control of a close game and finish it off. Everett, who converted to point guard last season, scans the court and plays with a keen eye, making quick, sound decisions. A leader who always plays tough and hard, he can make his way down the lane and hit quickly and accurately.

Nate Carter, a UC transfer, has the potential to use his talent to score double digits each game. Carter is effective driving to the basket and also shooting from the perimeter. A hard worker, he’s strong and disciplined and just the kind of player that Sooners’ coach Kevin Sampson likes.

Another addition is junior college transfer Chris Walker who has the ability to score and rebound at a rate equal to Bookout. Walker is designated as the next Drew Lavender and should be able to fulfill that role immediately.

Last season the Sooners tied for first place with Kansas. Look for this exceptionally solid Oklahoma club to be in the final conference mix again this year.

We have also listed the link to the official Oklahoma Sooners athletic site, for those that would like more info on the 2005 Oklahoma mens basketball team. If not continue on below to more of the individual big 12 schools.