One of the bigger offseason additions for the Oklahoma Sooners was the transfer of [autotag]John Hugley IV[/autotag]. Just two years ago, Hugley averaged nearly 15 points and eight rebounds per game at Pittsburgh.
But to start the season, it was [autotag]Sam Godwin[/autotag] who was getting the nod in the starting lineup. Godwin has been pretty good for the Sooners, but come [autotag]Big 12[/autotag] play, he’s been in foul trouble quite a bit.
Hugley has done a nice job of stepping up and filling that void. He’s averaged 8.4 points per game on 53.6% from the field. He hit key baskets against West Virginia and Cincinnati, one of which helped the Sooners steal a road win.
But he’s still not quite where we thought he’d be at this point. Part of that could be him still playing his way into shape due to missing almost the whole season last year due to an injury. Still, he’s only averaging 1.6 rebounds per game in conference play. With Godwin being in foul trouble, that has to go up.
Porter Moser shared what he wants to see from Hugley going forward. “Continuing to get into great shape so he can move better,” Moser said. “I think he’s moving better. I watched his defense and he really got out and was moving side to side defensively. I think he’s communicating great. Just continue to strive every single day to get into the best shape.”
There is no doubt the Sooners are going to need him to play big down the stretch not just with his scoring but by rebounding and his defense.
Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Jaron on Twitter @JaronSpor.