Kruger not taking long to make an impact
Published: 7/22/2011 2:30 PM
Last Modified: 7/22/2011 2:30 PM
I saw Lon Kruger earlier this week at the Sooner Jr. announcement. As an icebreaker, I told him it must be nice to be considered the third-best coach in the Big 12 Conference just three months (and zero games) into the Oklahoma job.
The only coaches with a higher ranking, according to the Columbia (Mo.) Daily Tribune, are Bill Self and Rick Barnes. Not bad.
Just not impressive to Kruger, who waved off the flattery by saying it would mean more if it actually helped win some games. In case you haven't heard, he doesn't do boastful.
The problem is he might have to keep his shields up a little longer.
The Lawrence (Kan.) Journal-World ran a poll recently, asking readers to name the Big 12's best coach outside of Self. Kruger finished third, behind Barnes and Billy Gillispie.
On ESPN.com, Dick Vitale asked himself "Will Lon Kruger make a big impact in the Big 12?" He answered: "It may take a little time for Kruger to rebuild, but he will flat-out get it done."
Yahoo! columnist Jason King reminded: "Along with being a strong hire, Kruger has also been referred to as a 'safe' hire for the Sooners. Kruger is known as a coach of high integrity who adheres to the NCAA rule book."
OU's new basketball coach made a favorable first impression locally, mostly thanks to a goodwill tour across campus and the Norman/Oklahoma City metro.
Looks like Kruger has won over some people regionally and nationally as well.
Course, he'd rather win games.
-- Guerin Emig
Written by
Guerin Emig
Sports Writer
