Let’s Talk Trae Young

Writer: Caleb Akpan

Every once in awhile a player takes over the basketball world. Sometimes that player does so in high school, like when Seventh Woods’ freshman mixtape went viral in 2013, currently sitting at 15 million views, and based on unofficial research, the most viewed high school mixtape of all-time. Sometimes it’s in the pros, like when Stephen Curry became must-see TV at the start of the Warriors dominance of the NBA, hitting three after three as Golden State piled on win after win. The college game seems to be the toughest place for a player to go viral, with the NCAA having an issue with highlights being online for some years, aggressive defenses being run by most of the top teams in the nation, and stacked teams of top recruits, but every now and then, a player comes along from a big name school and dominates. That’s exactly the case with Oklahoma’s Trae Young, who currently leads Division I basketball in points (28.5) and assists (10.2) with dazzling performances night after night. Many are already comparing Young to Stephen Curry, and if he keeps playing like this, he deserves that and possibly even more.

Young’s performances aren’t just dominant, they are on historic levels rarely or never seen in NCAA Division I before, especially by a freshman. On Tuesday, Young put up 26 points and 22 assists against Northwestern State, becoming the first player in two decades to have a 20/20 game. The 22 assists also tied an NCAA record, which Young now shares with three other players……all seniors when they achieved the feat. Young is also only two points off of the freshman record for scoring average in a game, and if keeps up at his current pace (Young had 25 at the half on Friday), he could very well catch the 30.2 average set by Chris Jackson (a.k.a Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf). It’s also possible that Young could be the first player to lead Division I in scoring and assists in a season, though assists stats were not recorded from 1953-1983, a time where NBA legend and all-time passer Oscar Robertson led Division I in scoring for three straight seasons.

Young has drawn comparisons to one two-time MVP and NBA superstar Stephen Curry early in his college career, and analysts’ views seem valid the way Young can shoot the ball. His shot looks effortless, going up from pretty much anywhere within half court ala Steph, and defenders have little they can do to change Young’s effectiveness. However, we’re comparing him to NBA Stephen Curry and there’s a serious case for Young already being better than Curry was his freshman year in college. For comparison, Curry averaged 21.5 points and just 2.5 assists per game in his freshman year playing for Davidson in the Southern conference, playing weaker competition then Young was in the Big 12, while not nearly putting up as impressive of a statline. By all accounts, Young is a better player than Curry was as at the same age, though his true test will definitely come as it did for Curry, as he likely heads to the NBA following this season.

Somehow, despite all of the amazing performances, Young isn’t being considered for the top pick in the draft by most critics. Many have chosen Euroleague star Luka Doncic, Duke forward Marvin Bagley, and Arizona center DeAndre Ayton over Young to this point. At just 6’2 (maybe) and 180 lbs., Young is considered undersized by most draft analysts and he doesn’t possess a freakish amount of athleticism to make up for that. Neither did Isaiah Thomas though, and we all know what happened when people slept on him. Luckily, Young shouldn’t have that trouble, he’s definitely solidifying himself as a lottery pick and wherever he goes will be lucky to have him. He’s a college legend already and he has the potential to do the same in the NBA if everything works out.

Review of Oklahoma City University Winter Production

Writer: Kyle Pearson

In Oklahoma City, there is a show every year that everyone seems to look forward to. The “Home for the Holidays” show is a dance production put on by the students of Oklahoma City University. This is no ordinary production; the university is known for being a prestigious fine arts school providing an education to some of the most talented dancer, singers, and actors in the country.

The theatre in which the production took place was nothing over the top, a small cozy setting provided a great venue for the holiday spirit. As the show began the audience’s attention was immediately grabbed. The use of extensive lighting around the stage created a feeling of involvement for all who were watching. The use of this lighting was just one of the many aspects that made the production the masterpiece it was. An additional aspect that made the show stand above the rest was the rate transitions. By having each dance seemingly overlap the end with another’s beginning, there was never a dull moment which would leave the audience waiting.

The dancers that performed in the “Home for the Holidays” show are some of the most talented dancers I have seen. Each dancer was so in sync with one another it lead on as if each dancer knew where the others were at all times. When performers are in such unison, each movement seems to be an exact step necessary to the show’s success.

Although each number was extravagant in its own unique way there were two numbers that just seemed to stand out for specific reasons

The first of the dance numbers to stand out was the one titled “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers.” In this number, the dancers were dressed as toy soldiers and the use of identical movements and mirroring choreography really brought the piece together. In addition, the dancer’s extensive facial gestures allowed the audience to really lose themselves in the show.

The second number that stood out to me was the number “Silent Night” due to story told through the dance. The dancers were wearing separate costumes to where one was perceived to be a human and the others were perceived as angels. The choreography combined with the dancer’s intensity had me at a loss of words, it was truly a beautiful piece.

Oklahoma City University’s presentation of “Home for the Holidays” was a dance production I won’t soon forget. From the elite technical crew operating lights and sound, to the incredible dancers performing, the show seemed to have no flaws at all. If one ever finds themselves in Oklahoma City around the season of joy, the “Home for the Holidays” show is one you won’t want to miss.

The Return of the Sooners on the Hardwood

Writer: Elijah Folsom

Basketball season is back in Norman, Oklahoma, and OU has a team that can really compete this year. Two years ago we saw Oklahoma make it to the Final Four for the first time since 2002 lead by their star shooting guard, Buddy Hield. The success was short lived though by their quick exit and a rather disappointing season last year without making it to the tournament. But now the Sooners are back with new young talent and ready to take back their place at the top.

KTUL

The sooners have revamped their roster and have added a huge piece in Trae Young to their starting lineup. Young is a very talented point guard who can score at an incredibly high level and can provide more ball movement on the offensive end of the court. He has put up crazy numbers in his high school career at Norman North, and on his AAU team over the summer. Oklahoma has also added many other pieces to their team such as: Brady Manek, a long small forward who has some impressive athleticism and Hannes Polla, a 6’11” center that has the ability to dominate the painted area. With the players that they already have such as Kameron McGusty, Khadeem Lattin, Christian James, and Jamuni Mcneace the Sooners pose a big threat to the rest of the Big 12. But the team could not be where it is without coach Lon Kruger. Kruger has been at OU for the past 7 years now and has done pretty well with turning a school that is primarily focused on football to a contender on the basketball court. Kruger is one of only 2 coaches to ever take 5 or more teams to the NCAA tournament has been to two final fours. He knows what it takes to get a team to the tournament and he can do it again this year.

With Trae Young bringing the young firepower that this OU squad needed and with the experience that Lattin has in going to the Final Four the Sooners are contenders to get to the NCAA tournament and even for the Big 12 Championship.

The Red River Rivalry: A New Era

Writer: Lucas Garza

This year’s Red River Rivalry featured two new head coaches for both Texas and Oklahoma. OU fans had on shirts glorifying Lincoln Riley, and many Texas supporters believe that Tom Herman has been able to lead the Longhorns back to a football powerhouse. Even after Oklahoma had a disappointing loss to Iowa State last week, the Cotton Bowl was packed, the atmosphere was great, and the game was intriguing.

Sooner Sports

The OU offense came out to play, exploiting Texas DB’s Kris Boyd and Brandon Jones early in the game. The Sooners scored on their first three possessions, and the Texas offense was only not able to move past midfield, making the score 17-0. The Texas defense was able to hold OU to a field goal with 4:30 left in the first half, but two personal foul penalties on the Sooners on the Longhorn’s next possession allowed Sam Ehlinger to connect with Kyle Porter for Texas’ first points of the game. OU was able to drive into Texas territory on their next possession, and decided to go for it on 4th and 3. The South side of the Cotton Bowl was in disbelief when Baker Mayfield through his first interception of the season to John Bonney. With only a minute left in the half, the Longhorns’ offense was able to move into OU territory, and settle for a field goal as the clock expired. Oklahoma led 20-10 at halftime.

Oklahoma started the second half with the ball, and was able to turn a five minute long opening drive into a field goal. Texas answered with a long drive of their own, and ended it as Chris Warren III was able to punch in the endzone. After a few punts and turnovers on downs were traded, OU led 23-17 with 10:00 left in the game.

Sam Ehlinger had his best performance of the season on Texas’ next drive. He had a 14 yard run, two completed passes to Reggie Hemphill-Mapps that combined for 29 yards, a 21 yard pass to fellow Freshman Austinite, Cade Brewer, and capped it all off with 8 touchdown run the corner of the endzone. Texas took their first lead of the game, 24-23 with about 8:00 left to play.

OU wasted no time as Baker Mayfield was able to find Mark Andrews wide open for 59 yard touchdown reception. The Sooners failed their two point try, but led 29-24 with just under seven minutes left in the game. On Texas’ next drive, the Longhorns were able to drive past midfield, but Sam Ehlinger was hurt after a hit near the sideline. Shane Buechele was able to pick up two first downs, but was then sacked for a loss of 7 yards. Tom Herman used a timeout to put Ehlinger back into the game on 2nd down, but the team was hurt with a false start penalty on top of the sack from the previous play. Texas would turn the ball over on downs with 1:52 on the clock.

The Texas defense was able to use their good play along with their remaining timeouts to force OU to punt, and the Texas offense would get 42 seconds to try and win the game with a touchdown. A false start and incomplete passes kept the offense from seriously threatening to score. Oklahoma would win 29-24.

The Red River Rivalry is the best rivalry in all of sports. The atmosphere at the Cotton Bowl is unlike any other, and the location of the game should never change. With the Big 12 now having a conference championship game at AT&T Stadium now, it is possible that we could see the Red River Rivalry in a new setting and for the first time in a long time. If this were to happen, or if the game were to permanently move to Arlington, the atmosphere from the Cotton Bowl could not be recreated. AT&T stadium is too big and spread out for fans to be able to experience a true Texas vs. OU game. The Cotton bowl seats are crammed together, and some spectators have obstructed views, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

As far as the Longhorns go, most of the Texas fanbase seem to think Tom Herman is doing a good job, and they seem to think Texas is back to being Texas. I happen to disagree, and believe that Texas is looking at another missed bowl game right in the face. At 3-3, Texas needs to win three more games to become bowl eligible. With Oklahoma St. coming to Austin this weekend, the Cowboys love to throw the ball over the middle of the field, which Texas has had trouble stopping every time they play against Mike Gundy. If Texas takes care of business against Kansas and Baylor, it is tough to tell who Texas’ sixth win will be against, but it is possible to see them winning all their games, if you just have some faith.

The Power of the Mustache

Writer: Brandon Fuller

Source: Sports Illustrated

There are little things other than performance-enhancing drugs that can truly take an athlete to the next level. Well, that and a sick mustache. One man who has harnessed and truly displayed the raw might of a well-executed stache is none other than the walk on turned to a two-time Heisman candidate, Baker Mayfield.

The Sooners’ senior quarterback is now going on his third year as the primary slinger of the Oklahoma offense, and he isn’t looking to stop yet. At the end of the past two seasons, the de-facto Big XII Championship game has been played in the season finale against Oklahoma State, and in both of those games Mayfield pulled out a wild card… His Hulk Hogan-esque mustache. As you can guess, it was a decisive victory in both of those years.

Source: Sports Illustrated

The trend began in 2015 as the 10-1 Sooners trotted into Stillwater hoping to punch their ticket to the College Football Playoff with a Big XII Championship under their belt. All they had to do was beat Oklahoma State by any amount and it was theirs. The Bedlam game is always a wildcard though… Take a look back a 2014 for example as the heavily favored Sooners lost in overtime to the Cowboys. With that in mind, Mayfield took it upon himself to bring an edge to the game. In turn, him and his fellow QBs grew out some biker staches and blew the doors off the boys in orange and black.

Mayfield’s excellent mix of his pass and rush attack led him to scoring three touchdowns out of the team’s total of seven in this 58-23 bloodbath. Hell, he even pancaked a defensive back which led to Mixon walking in with the 66 yard TD.

Source: YouTube

If that doesn’t scream Heisman productivity, I don’t know what does, (but I digress). With such an efficient win, this had Mayfield thinking, “Hey, maybe this thing kinda worked.” A calendar year passes, and it has come time for a crucial Bedlam/Big XII Championship game once again. As you may have guessed, the stache made a huge comeback.

After an early season collapse, the Sooners had a chance to finish 10-2 with an undefeated Big XII record and a Sugar Bowl bid. This time, the showdown came back home to the “Palace on the Prairie” in Norman. The Crimson and Cream crusaders did not disappoint dropping the Cowboys 38-20. None of this was possible without the dramatic, drawn-out plays by Mayfield. His passing attacked pulled out a hat trick with 3 TDs including a 69 yard, impromptu BOMB to Dede “TD” Westbrook.

Mayfield had a pretty solid hunch that the Sooners were going to win because as soon as the game ended, he ripped off his pads displaying a homemade “Back to Back” Big XII Champions shirt he had been wearing the whole time.

Source: OU Daily

With the 2017 schedule looking as tough as ever with Ohio State and an additional, actual Big XII Championship Game at Jerry World, it will be fascinating to see how and when Mayfield brings out his glorious stache once again. Until then, we can only predict how the “new Sheriff in town” will perform in his next stache-ified showing.