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OU hopes to lock in starting lineup soon
Capel says only two players have solidified starting spots so far.

OU basketball's Tony Crocker (5) at media day in Norman,OK, Oct. 29, 2009. STEPHEN PINGRY / Tulsa World
 
By GUERIN EMIG World Sports Writer
Published: 11/3/2009  2:22 AM
Last Modified: 11/3/2009  7:04 AM

 NORMAN — It isn't a basketball game so much as an audition tonight at the Lloyd Noble Center. The Sooners host the University of British Columbia in a 7 p.m. exhibition, and coach Jeff Capel says just two of his players have solidified starting roles.

"Willie (Warren) and Tony Crocker, they are the only two I'd say would definitely start if I had to pick right now," Capel said. "The other ones are up in the air, but I think that's a really good thing. We have some guys that are right there pushing for it. It's going to be determined by, No. 1, who knows our stuff, who knows what we're trying to accomplish, who understands the significance of playing every possession and doing the little things for us."

For what it's worth, freshman Tommy Mason-Griffin joins Warren and Crocker as the projected third starting guard, with freshman Tiny Gallon and senior Ryan Wright projected as the two starting forwards. Other players in the mix include guards Cade Davis and Steven Pledger, as well as forwards Orlando Allen and Andrew Fitzgerald.

The "little things" Capel spoke of will be important when it comes to earning playing time, both tonight and throughout the 2009-10 season.

"Our margin for error is not as great as it was last year," said Capel, mindful of the fact that national player of the year Blake Griffin was around to clean up spills in '08-09. "We need some guys willing to do all the little things, screen, get on the floor for loose balls, block out, rebound, communicate, all those things."

British Columbia comes to Norman returning three of the top four scorers from a team that went 31-4 against other Canadian college teams a year ago.

Up next

Vs. British Columbia (Exhibition)

7 p.m. Tuesday

Radio: KAKC am1300

Guerin Emig 581-8355
guerin.emig@tulsaworld.com
By GUERIN EMIG World Sports Writer

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DieHardSoonerFan82, Out in the sticks (11/3/2009 11:36:01 AM)
sure cant wait for basketball season so ready to see what we will be like with out the griffin brothers. BOOMER SOONER
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Anne M. Green, Tulsa (11/3/2009 6:09:57 PM)
Die Hard, The first sooner exhibition game is with British Columbia. ORU just whooped up on them Monday night, so I am guessing that when they play OU it will be a blood bath for sure. Don't waste the gas to go watch. It won't even be as good as a scrimmage.
 

 
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