WSU Versus Oklahoma Predictions and Pregame Discussions

[Slalomshocker]

OU is skilled enough to make WSU pay for its lapses. Lattin is a good rim protector averaging 2 blocks per contest, Woodard is a solid guard averaging 15.8pts but also has a 1-1 Asst/TO ratio. OU averages 80pts but gives up 70. Its just a good match up of 2 unproven but talented teams. I wouldn't be surprised if OU wins, and I wouldn't be surprised if WSU wins. Should be a good trip, hopefully the drive home is a good one.

WSU 68
OU 66

[Cdizzle]

Interested to see how Shaq responds to playing back home and against a quality opponent.

[shockmonster]

FIFY

Both are capable of fouling quickly and are more vulnerable to a quick, athletic player. What would be helpful is if Rauno and Shaq would hit a couple of early 3s. Lattin and OU aren't as good when he is playing defense 20' from the basket.

[1972Shocker]

Shaq (in my memory) is about a carbon copy of Lattin's grandpa.

Actually Shaq would be a challenge for "Big Daddy D" who at 6-6, 225 would have been giving away a couiple of inches and 35lbs to Shaq. Still Big Daddy D seemed bigger when he played. I guess you always look bigger when your team becomes a legend.

Khadeem is taller but more slender than gramps at 6-9, 212.

[Wuchalk]

I have 4 tickets in section 308, row K, seats 3-6. Send pm if interested.

[WstateU]

Shaq (in my memory) is about a carbon copy of Lattin's grandpa.

Actually Shaq would be a challenge for "Big Daddy D" who at 6-6, 225 would have been giving away a couiple of inches and 35lbs to Shaq. Still Big Daddy D seemed bigger when he played. I guess you always look bigger when your team becomes a legend.

Khadeem is taller but more slender than gramps at 6-9, 212.

[Dan]

That's why I like Nurger, he plays solid defense while not taking a bunch of silly fouls. He seems to be able to wall up and force you to shoot over him as well as anybody I can recall, most centers can't seem to resist the temptation to lean forward.

Shaq also has the tendency to give a little bump on the screens and slap at the ball when his guy is shooting. If he'd cut down on those 2 things he could play more minutes.

[1972Shocker]

OU has 10 players who have played in all 8 games this year. 1 Senior, 2 Juniors, 3 Sophomores and 1 redshirt Freshman and 3 true Freshmen. So this is not a terribly experienced OU squad.

4 guys have started all 8 games for OU:
#10 Jordan Woodard: 6-0, 187 Sr G - 15.8 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 3.9 APG in 29.1 MPG
#12 Khadeem Lattin: 6-9, 212 Jr F - 10.9 PPG, 6.4 RPG in 25.1 MPG
#03 Christian James: 6-4, 218 So G - 12.0 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 1.9 APG in 23.9 MPG
#01 Rashard Odomes - 6-6, 212 So G - 10.0 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 1.9 APG in 00.5 MPG

The remaining 5 players with double figure minutes are:
#11 Kristian Doolittle: 6-7, 236 Fr F - 8.4 PPG, 5.5 RPG in 22.1 MPG (has started 5 of the 8 games)
#00 Darrion Strong-Moore: 6-1, 180 Jr G - 4.4 PPG, 2 APG in 18.9 MPG
#20 Kameron McGusty: 6-5, 191 Fr G - 6.9 PPG, 1.8 RPG in 16.5 MPG (played at Sunrise Christian Academy)
#05 Matt Freeman: 6-10, 224, RFr F - 4.8 PPG, 2.5 RPG in 13.6 MPG
#04 Jamuni McNeace: 6-10, 215 So - 3.0 PPG, 4.6 RPG in 13.5 MPG
#13 Jordan Shephard: 6-2, 180 Fr - 3.0 PPG, 1.4 APG in 9.8 MPG

Primary 3-point threats are Woodard (18-43/41.9%), James (16-26/61.5%), McGusty (7-19/36.8%), Freeman (7-20/35.0%) and Strong-Moore (5-17/29.4%). Doolittle has made one-half of his 3's but has only attempted 8.

OU is outrebounding their opponents 39.1 to 34.9 on average. OU has blocked 41 shots in 8 games with Lattin having 17 of those and McNeace 13. Those two would look to be the primary rim portectors.

As a team OU has 115 assists to 124 turnovers for a .93 to 1 ratio. Woodard has the best assist numbers with 31 vs 19 turnovers for a 1.6 to 1 ratio.

WarrenNolan.com has OU's SOS at #262. He ranks OU at #73 in his Nolan Power Index. He has WSU SOS at #171 and their NPI is at #35.

Shocks have a 1.43 assist to turnover ratio as a team averaging 17 APG.

OU Season Stats

[ShockingButTrue]

What is everyone seeing in OU that is worrying? I've only watched their game against UNI and they had 24 turnovers.

Quick 6'10" guy (quicker than Rauno) off the bench. Dootlittle is a pretty good size frosh foward, and highly regarded. Lattimore is a legit rim-protector. Good at the point. Baseline-to-baseline D. Very well coached team.

I think it will be a good, high level, College Basketball game.

[ShockdaWorld]

Both are capable of fouling quickly and are more vulnerable to a quick, athletic player. What would be helpful is if Rauno and Shaq would hit a couple of early 3s. Lattin and OU aren't as good when he is playing defense 20' from the basket.

Of course they're both capable, but it seems to happen a lot more often to Shaq, regardless of if he's actually fouling or not.

[1972Shocker]

My guess is the the Shocks will start Daishon, Landry and Rauno. After that who knows. Markis, Zach1, Darral or Rashard are all candidates. Depends on what matchups he likes.

3G might start Shaq instead of Rauno but I think he may like bringing in Shaq off the bench at this point in time to avoid the very early foul trouble.

After the St. Louis game Shaq and Rashard might be volunteering for the reserves.

The Wichita Shocker Reserves. Proud, Prepared and Productive. Join today.

[WheatShock]

Shaq does get called for a lot of fouls just for being big, but he also commits a bunch of reach in / slap fouls. If he cleans that part of his game up he will be far more effective IMO. I believe he will always be somewhat foul prone though.

[1972Shocker]

I guess it's appropriate that this photo is in black and white. BTW, how about them Converse All-Stars.

[WstateU]

I guess it's appropriate that this photo is in black and white. BTW, how about them Converse All-Stars.

Always loved my "Converse All-Stars"; increased my 'vertical' from 4 to 6". :)

[I_Vector_Wu]

CF distracts the Sooners with his rendition of "The Sprinkler", Shockers Win 75-69.

(Credit to Mrs. Vector for the photo)