To return to the NCAA tournament, a team needs contributions from both returning players and incoming recruits. Here's a look at Oklahoma and its chances of dancing again in 2016.
Quick references:
Possible 2015-16 starting five:
F: Buddy Hield
Who is lost: Oklahoma’s prospects for this past season changed when Houston transfer TaShawn Thomas was cleared to play immediately. He gave the Sooners a go-to player in the low post that also effectively complemented Ryan Spangler. Of course, the downside is that Thomas is out of eligibility for next season -- but he’s the only starter not returning. Rotation big man D.J. Bennett is also gone.
Who is added: Coach Lon Kruger needed to upgrade the Sooners’ wing depth with the 2015 class, and he did just that by adding four-star small forward Christian James and three-star prospect Rashard Odomes. James is more of the athletic, slashing type of wing, while Odomes is a lefty shooter who can also finish at the rim in transition. Odomes also has good size (6-foot-7) for his position. Junior college transfer Akolda Manyang is a 7-footer who was considered one of the top players in the JC ranks this past season. Expect Manyang to push for a starting job right off the bat.
What it means for next season: Oklahoma will be in a similar position heading into next season that it was before Thomas was granted a waiver: four proven entities and a few question marks. Kruger will have one of the best perimeter trios in the Big 12 at his disposal, with Hield, a big-time scorer, leading the way. Hield is among the best shooting guards in the country. Next to him will be Cousins, an excellent outside shooter who is also a very solid defender. Woodard has been the team’s starting point guard for two seasons but appeared to take a slight step back as a sophomore. Up front, Spangler is a double-double threat on a nightly basis. Outside of those four, Kruger will need someone else to step up. Manyang and Lattin -- a current freshman -- will likely fight for the remaining starting spot, but keep an eye on former ESPN 100 prospect Dante Buford. He redshirted this past season because of academic issues, but he will be eligible to play as a freshman next season. He’s athletic and explosive and would provide a different dimension in the frontcourt for the Sooners.
Trending: Level. Given how good Kansas and Iowa State are expected to be next season, Oklahoma likely won’t be picked to win the Big 12 -- but the Sooners competed for the league title this season, and they return most of their key pieces. Kruger consistently finds ways to make the most of his roster, and the addition of some size and athleticism will help Oklahoma remain in the mix.