A key player of Oklahoma’s team will be making his return on Saturday. Head coach Lon Kruger confirmed on Thursday that junior guard Alondes Williams will be back in the rotation after missing the last three games after a bout with COVID-19.
A starter in all 14 games he’s played this season, Williams has solid per game averages at 7.7 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.7 assists. His explosiveness and energy often provide a spark that the Sooners will be very glad to have back.
As for how much of a role he will have against West Virginia this weekend, he will probably be somewhat eased back into the fold although Kruger said he has recovered well.
“He’s bounced back well,” Kruger said on Thursday. “Not physically behind. He’s got his bounce, he’s got his pop to his step. He’s not dragging around from the COVID at all. Cardio-wise, it’ll take him a little while to get back to where he was. But, he doesn’t have to play a lot of minutes. He’ll definitely be able to be ready on Saturday to give us some minutes in critical situations.”
Obviously Williams is an important player on the court, but his leadership is something that can also be underrated. He is one of the voices of the team that other guys respond to and will certainly provide some eagerness for his return.
“Super excited to get one of our leaders back in the locker room,” Elijah Harkless said Thursday. “He’s great energy, locker room just changes when he walks in, court changes just when he gets on the court. He’s a big part of the reason why we got on our run. I’m excited to have him back and the guys are excited to have him back and can’t wait to see what he does.”
Oklahoma will head to Morgantown to battle No. 14 West Virginia on Saturday at 12:00 p.m. CT.
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