Oklahoma Basketball: Breaking down Sooners projected 2019-20 rotation

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - MARCH 24: Head coach Lon Kruger of the Oklahoma Sooners looks on against the Virginia Cavaliers during the first half in the second round game of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Colonial Life Arena on March 24, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – MARCH 22: Brady Manek #35 of the Oklahoma Sooners reacts after making a three point basket in the first half against the Mississippi Rebels during the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Colonial Life Arena on March 22, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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Minutes allocation (40 total): Brady Manek (23), Kur Kuath (10), Rick Issanza (8)

Makek

Manek averaged 12.2 points and 5.9 rebounds while shooting 35.8% from three, 46.9% from the field in 27.8 minutes per game on average last season. This season, Manek will do Manek things, just with more minutes at the center spot. He will work the pick and roll and pick and pop game spread the floor, and grab a few rebounds. Manek drawing attention the teams opposing big man away from the paint opens up the paint a little for OU’s Doolittle, and slashing guards like Harmon & Reaves to find a lane inside.

Kuath

Kuath was injured most of last season, but he should get a shot this season, especially with already getting minutes pre-injury last year. He has apparently added 20 pounds of muscle since joining this Sooners team. He has the experience edge going for him over the two younger big men of Rick Issanza & Corbin Meritt. Kuath is long, athletic, and lengthy, and should clean up the boards, block shots, and work the pick & roll game when he’s playing.

Issanza

Rick Issanza is just a freshman, but his 7’1 230-pound frame and shot-blocking prowess (4.8 his senior year to go along with 11 points & 8.1 rebounds.) I think will allow him to lobby for a few minutes a game, and essentially, those few minutes of added depth at the 5 will allow Manek to play some 4 for a little while. If it’s not Issanza, its Corbin Merritt getting these few minutes of action during the season, so it’ll be interesting to see who comes out on top.

When Doolittle graduates after this season, Manek will move to his more natural position his senior year, allowing the athletes of Kuath, Issanza, & Merritt to play more minutes at the 5 next year.

Next. Biggest takeaways from 2019 Big 12 recruiting classes. dark

The seven newcomers and depth to this Oklahoma team made this a very hard rotation to predict. The good news for Sooner fans is that there are tons of young talented bodies in the Oklahoma locker room. It’ll be interesting to see if Coach Kruger can get another March Madness birth with this young squad.

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