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Oklahoma’s Elijah Harkless is starting to quickly become a well-known figure of Sooners basketball and around the Big 12 conference.
The Cal State Northridge transfer has been superb as of late since filling in for Brady Manek in the starting lineup, and he was recognized for his play on Monday as he was named the Big 12 Newcomer of the Week.
Elijah Harkless helped lead @OU_MBBall to wins over Kansas State and No. 9 Kansas while serving as a defensive catalyst. The guard led #Big12MBB in steals with 6⃣ & rebounds with 2⃣0⃣. He also shot 5⃣0⃣ percent from the field.@ejay_hoops2 is the #Big12MBB Newcomer of the Week. pic.twitter.com/yRakZD0Qw3
— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) January 25, 2021
Harkless has displayed an ability to affect the game in a wide variety of ways. He is fantastic defender who can crash the boards, pile up assists and provide some scoring when he is needed to do so. Lon Kruger has to be pleased with what he has provided as he has become a real asset to the team this season.
Once Manek was forced out due to COVID-19 protocols, Harkless was inserted into the starting lineup in his place and may be there to stay given his play. With him in the lineup, Oklahoma is 3-1 and have won the turnover battle 63 to 32 while holding their opponents to just 41.1 percent shooting.
Harkless will look to continue his good play when the Sooners head to Austin to battle No. 5 Texas on Tuesday night.
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