Men’s hoops: Capel discusses Blake’s comments
By Scott Wright
Jeff Capel seemed a little reluctant to discuss it at first, but ended up talking for a couple minutes about Blake Griffin’s future and the freshman’s decisison to discuss his plan to likely stay in college next season rather than turn pro. Here’s what Capel had to say:
“Blake and I agreed that we’ll talk about it at the end of the year. I want what’s best for Blake. That’s what I want. Whatever that is, whatever he feels is best for him, whatever his family thinks, I’ll go with it. I’ll support him 1000 percent.”
“Everyone should know, the kid’s a pro. It’s just a matter of when he wants to go. We’ll see when the time comes. We’ll talk about it more in-depth, he and I will, with his family. We’ll make the best decision for him. This is not a decision for Oklahoma. This is a decision for Blake Griffin.”
“Hopefully what this also does is show guys you can come here and leave early, whenever that is. We want to continue to get really high-profile guys like him, really good players like Blake. You have to understand that the culture and climate of college basketball now is completely different from what it was when I went to college. Guys aren’t staying in school as long now.”
“I know he’s not gonna be a four-year guy, but we’re gonna enjoy him as long as we have him.”
“I want him to be ready. There’s a big difference between a guy that’s being drafted and a guy that’s ready. I want him to be ready. Whenever he goes, whether it’s this year, next year, two years, I want him to be ready. I want him to be ready to have an impact. I know that’s what he wants.”
“One of the things we talked about was, ‘don’t outscource. I’ll be able to get you as much information as you want, as much information as you need. And it will be the correct information.’ One of the things about these guys now that’s a lot different is the people that are involved now. Some of the people clamoring for them. I feel sorry for these guys, especially some of the elite guys, because you have so many people trying to get at you. One of the things about Blake is that he’s a grounded kid, has a great family and he’s thrown himself into this program and his teammates that he’s trying to focus on right now.”
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Pretty different than our last coach I would say. Different attitude, different style.
It’s so weird getting talent that can leave after one year.