NCAA Basketball: 2019 Hall of Fame Classic preview and predictions

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - MARCH 22: A detail view of the Nike sneakers worn by Rashard Odomes #1 of the Oklahoma Sooners in the second 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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COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – MARCH 22: Doolittle of the Sooners handles. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Oklahoma Sooners

KenPom Ranking: No. 29 (4th in B12)

Early Season Record: 5-0

Oklahoma entered this season picked to finish eighth in the Big 12 but held a top-25 preseason KenPom ranking that they have struggled to live up to. The Sooners are playing with tremendous pace on the offensive end of the floor while also managing to take care of the ball quite well. As a result, their offense has been successful at getting up the court and finishing at a high rate. Yet, while the Sooners are still 5-0 on the season with a pair of nice wins over Minnesota and Oregon State, their defensive efficiency has slipped compared to preseason expectations and that is a tad concerning.

Still, it would be a mistake to think that Oklahoma is not still one of the most well-coached teams in the nation. Head coach Lon Kruger is consistently overlooked but he has led the Sooners to six NCAA Tournament appearances in the last seven years. It is only right to think that OU will once again be one of the better teams in the country and that could be evident as they compete for the Hall of Fame Classic title.

With regard to individual contributors, senior leader Kristian Doolittle has been the player on the floor for the Sooners this season. He has played in four of five games for Oklahoma so far and is posting averages of 16.5 points, 10.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. He has also shown improved willingness to shoot from distance while hitting 3-for-5 from three – that would greatly increase his offensive versatility.

Additionally, though, Wichita State transfer Austin Reaves has quickly emerged as a legit top offensive option for the team. The 6-foot-9 junior is averaging 16.6 points per game this season even while struggling with his shot from distance. He is hitting on just 29.6% of his 3PA after shooting 45.1% in his two years with the Shockers. That is bound to improve moving forward and he should be even more dangerous as a result.

Brady Manek is also averaging 13.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game.

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