Let me start with a clarification. Larry Wright isn’t eligible to play for Oakland this coming season. I was hoping for the contrary and assumed as much in the last post. Having spent so much time over the last four years following college baseball, where the “sit out a year rule” was ignored with great vigor until last season, I generally figure every transfer has a shot at immediate playing time. This, however, is not the case here.
In this instance, Wright is doing the “traditional” sit out a year thing and will replace Erik Kangas at the two guard spot in 2009-10. I’m actually good with that. Sure, I’d still like to see someone other than Kangas knock down shots from beyond the arc with some consistency, but I’m also becoming a bit more patient with age. If I have to wait one more season for Mr. Wright’s debut in the Summit, then that’s what I’ll do. (Horribly noble on my part, I realize.)
Detroit News scribe Terry Foster, who discussed Wright’s options just a few days ago, follows up on the former Red Storm player’s arrival at OU and discusses the state of the program in light of this recent wave of additions.
In his column, Foster has several nuggets worth repeating. First, he suggests Wright could play for Michigan or Michigan State. Easy. Easy. Keep your expectations in check, Grizzly fans. (No condescending remarks about the UM program, either. Last I checked the Black and Gold were turned black and blue and a shade of red – from embarrassment – at the hands of Michigan.)
Second, we learn Wright and OU point guard Johnathon Jones were AAU teammates. And all Grizzly Nation went “Aahhh.” That explains, in part, Wright’s Grizzly leanings. Wright is familiar with the guy who will be kicking him the rock in another year. I’m guessing JJ gave Wright plenty of open looks in AAU ball.
Third, Coach Kampe gives Foster this on Ilija Milutinovic:
There is a lot of hype with him and we have never had this much hope about a recruit before. He turned down six figures to play professionally in Serbia because he wants to go to the NBA.
Yikes. Nothing like putting a little additional weight on that seven-foot frame. I’m also guessing your expectations are no longer in check, Grizzly fans. I think Coach is fine with that as long as it results in season ticket sales. Remember: Buy early, buy often.
Finally, Kampe told Foster that you have to have horses to win. Foster rightly counters with
Kampe must prove himself to be the right jockey. He must prove that he can get top-line talent to play together as a team.
Recruiting well is great. Winning is better. It’s Kampe’s job to do both.
Other reading:
Dave Pemberton of The Oakland Press filed this report on Wright’s transfer to Oakland.
Tags: Detroit News, Erik Kangas, Greg Kampe, Ilija Milutinovic, Johnathon Jones, Larry Wright, Terry Foster
