We continue our recruit and return series with the Oklahoma Sooners, whose season ended Saturday with a loss to Villanova in the Final Four. A look at what the 2016-17 season could hold:
Possible 2016-17 starting five (statistics reflect regular-season average)
G: Jordan Woodard (12.9 PPG, 3.6 APG)
G: Kameron McGusty (incoming freshman)
G: Austin Grandstaff (4.4 PPG at Ohio State)
F: Dante Buford (3.6 PPG, 2.0 RPG)
C: Khadeem Lattin (5.5 PPG, 5.5 RPG)
Who is lost: Buddy Hield was one of the best stories in college basketball over the past couple of seasons, culminating with a run at National Player of the Year honors as a senior. Averaging better than 25 points per game during the regular season, Hield was the most dangerous offensive player in the country. He helped lead Oklahoma to a No. 1 ranking and four straight NCAA tournament appearances. Backcourt mate Isaiah Cousins is also departing. Cousins was the team’s second-leading scorer and leading assist man. Up front, Lon Kruger needs to replace starting big man Ryan Spangler, who provided inside balance to Oklahoma’s loaded perimeter group for the past two seasons. Backup guard Dinjiyl Walker is also out of eligibility.
Who is added: With so many players leaving the program, Kruger needed a very good recruiting class heading into next season -- and that’s exactly what he got. The headliner is top-50 prospect Kameron McGusty, who can play both guard positions and will make an impact at either end of the court. Fellow ESPN 100 prospect Kristian Doolittle was very productive on the AAU circuit and will create matchup problems. Ohio State transfer Austin Grandstaff will be able to provide instant offense for the Sooners. He was one of the better pure scorers in the 2015 class, and needs to show that in Norman. New Zealand native Matt Freeman is a sleeper due to his skill and size; don’t be surprised to see him make an impact. Point guard Darrion Strong comes via the junior college route.
What it means for next season: Oklahoma will take on an entirely new look next season. No Hield, no Cousins, no Spangler -- and five newcomers who will be counted on from the opening practice. There are some key returnees, though. The biggest one is starting guard Jordan Woodard, who played the perfect complement to Hield and Cousins. He’s a pass-first player, but might need to take on a bigger scoring role without the other three double-figure scorers from this past season. Sophomore center Khadeem Lattin was one of the surprising bright spots in 2015-16, as he became one of the best shot-blockers in the league and upgraded the interior defense of the Sooners. Former ESPN 100 prospect Dante Buford saw his role get bigger late in the season, and he could push for a starting job next season. Akolda Manyang and Christian James will also see more minutes.
Trending: Down. Oklahoma was near the top of the rankings and the No. 1 seed discussion for most of the season, and now three starters -- including arguably the best player in the country -- are out of eligibility. There’s a great crop of newcomers entering the program, but none will be Hield right off the bat. Kruger has the program among the Big 12’s best, but next season will see a step back.