The Oklahoma Mens Squad is highly touted this year with the return of freshman sensation Blake Griffin, and the addition of McDonald’s High School All-American Willie Warren. The Sooners look to bring the attention to basketball in the state of Oklahoma on a collegiate level that college basketball hasn’t seen since Wayman Tisdale in the 80′s. Things couldn’t have been going better following a season by which the Sooners had a brief stint in the NCAA Tourney. Following 2nd round loss to Louisville, the Sooners looked at the 2008-09 season as one to build excitement, focus and most of all attendance for a good basketball team that happens to be in a place where football is king. The aim of this project is to explore the relationship between the new Oklahoma City NBA franchise and the University of Oklahoma’s mens basketball program. The Seatlle Supersonics of a year ago, with the acquisition of rookie Kevin Durant, the Supersonics took positive steps towards becoming a competitive team in the Western Conference. Oklahoma City business owner Clay Bennett purchased the Supersonics, and bought them out of their contract with Key Arena in Seattle. With the return of Chris Wilcox and the addition of Oklahoma State alum Desmond Mason, the Oklahoma City Thunder will look to make a lot of noise this coming season. Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant was quoted saying that Oklahoma City was the loudest place he has ever played. The New Orleans Hornets enjoyed major NBA success during their stay in OKC. How will the Thunder’s success effect OU basketball? Will it? Are students going to attend games from both programs? Do OU students care about the OKC Thunder? This project will feature opinions from major players on both ends of the story.
Any questions, concerns or suggestions are welcomed. Please let me know if there is something that would make for a more interesting angle.
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