The Newcomers
24/7 sports has this Oklahoma class ranked 24th in the nation, 5th overall in the Big-12. They consist of De’Vion Harmon, Alondes Williams, Jalen Hill, Anyang Garang, Victor Iwuakor, Rick Issanza, and Corbin Merritt.
De’Vion Harmon
I believe De’Vion Harmon is the best player on this team, and that he is more so of a five-star talent, instead of his 4-star rating he’s been awarded.
Harmon averaged 20.3 points per game, as well as 5 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.4 steals a game his senior year, leading Guyer (Denton, TX) to an 18th national rank according to Max Preps.
He will have the keys to this offense and has already had Trae Young comparisons, as far as his role with the team. Here’s what he said about that in an OU Daily article by Caleb McCourry:
"“Ever since Trae did his thing, people have been telling me, ‘You’re the next Trae Young.’ I just want to be me,” Harmon said. “That’s what it’s all about. My parents didn’t raise me to be nobody else but myself.” “Trae did what he was supposed to do,” Harmon said. “He’s a great player. Coach Kruger gave him the keys. I think I’ll have the same keys. I’m just here to do it my way.”"
Do I think Harmon is as good as Trae Young or will put up similar numbers? No.
Do I think he will have the keys to the offense and have a similar impact on the team as Trae did? Yes.
Expect Harmon to handle the ball for the team and push the pace. He will be near the top, if not at the top in the box sheet every night in points scored, and like Jamel Bieniemy, will lead this team in assists his Freshman season.
Jalen Hill
Hill, the 2nd best recruit coming out of Nevada this year, put up 17.5 points a game his senior season while shooting 42% from the three-point line. He also contributed 5.3 rebounds a game, 1.5 assists, and 1.2 steals a contest.
I’m not expecting Hill to have the immediate success that Harmon will achieve, but will have a longer, more illustrious career at Oklahoma. I expect Hill to get minutes in the rotation right away, but I’m even more excited for his growth in the coming years. I’d love for Hill to have a Buddy Hield type career at Oklahoma, improving each season, and turning himself into a 1st round pick.
Victor Iwuakor
I’m really excited to see what Victor Iwuakor can bring to the table this season. The 6’8 springy, shot-blocking, big man has a chance to be something special.
Besides the defensive prowess inside, Iwuakor gives Oklahoma a mobile & versatile big man that guard positions 1-5. Don’t believe me? Check this out.
The reports are true. https://t.co/BVCHBdsrso
— Oklahoma Basketball (@OU_MBBall) August 10, 2019
It’s safe to say that Iwuakor is a versatile guy on defense, but what can he bring to the table on the other end? Right now, Iwuakor is capable of setting good screens and using his mobility in the pick and roll game. He also isn’t afraid of putting the ball on the floor from on top of the key after a handoff, or on the wing and penetrating to try to score. He’s not going to break down opposing bigs with his handle, but having a big that’s not afraid to put the ball on the floor a little, and drive is something nice.
I believe if Iwuakor can improve over the years in Oklahoma, he could be a legit NBA prospect. He could very well end up being an athletic 4 in the league if he can develop an outside shot, and improve some on his ball handling.
Anyang Garang
Anyang Garang's Journey to the NBA Academy in Australia
Anyang Garang has paved a unique journey for himself on the way to the #NBAAcademy in Australia. Find out what makes his story so inspiring.
Posted by NBA on Friday, December 14, 2018
Garang was born in South Sudan, in the middle of civil war. His family moved to Australia for better opportunities, and boy did Garang ever receive one. In 2017, Garang was offered a scholarship at the NBA global academy in Canberra, Australia. Garang committed to Oklahoma, with intentions to redshirt the 19-20 season.
Garang is viewed as a 3-star prospect and is seen as a bit of a project, but the 6’9 forward has a 7’2 wingspan and a very unique shooting ability and ball-handling ability for a player his height.
Garang will have to improve his strength and hone in on his raw skills, but he possesses an upside that could potentially be higher than any of the OU freshman.
Alondes Williams
Williams will add much-needed shooting help, as he shot 72-178 (.404%) from three-point land at Triton College at the JUCO ranks. Oklahoma took the fewest 3’s in the Big-12 last season, so adding Williams and Reaves, two guards who can shoot at a 40% clip will help immensely.
Expect Williams to come in off the bench for this team with an immediate green light. He won’t have the biggest role for this team, but you can expect 2-3 three’s made a game, and a couple of games he could give us a boost by getting hot.
Defensively at 6’5 and 220 pounds he should be able to hold his own guarding not only guards but bigger forwards if needed.
Corbin Merrit
Another JUCO big man from Daytona State College, the big 6’9 250 pound center will be competing for some minutes on this Oklahoma team. Meritt is built like more of a traditional center, unlike other big men like Kuath, Iwuakor, or Issanza, so that could possibly play into his advantage as far as earning some minutes.
Rick Issanza
Issanza, a native of Kinshasa, Congo. Issanza averaged 11 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.8 blocks while shooting 64% from the field for Bella Vista Prep in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Issanza is 7’1 230 pounds. In a crowded frontcourt, Issanza will look to use his height and shot-blocking advantage to earn some minutes.