Ou Roster 2016: A Season of High Hopes and Great Talent

The University of Oklahoma's 2016 roster was a talented and deep team that expected to make a run in the Big 12 and potentially further in the NCAA tournament. With a mix of returning starters and new recruits, the Sooners looked to build on their past successes and contend for a national title.

One of the key players returning to the Sooners was star point guard Buddy Hield, who had led the team in scoring and led the Big 12 in scoring average in 2015-16. Hield was joined by a talented supporting cast, including Jordan Woodard, Isaiah Cousins, and Ryan Spangler. This experienced group was paired with a strong recruiting class, which brought in talented players such as Waynyn Peek, Tyler Neal, and Austin Grandstaff.

"This team has a lot of potential and a lot of talent," said Sooners head coach Lon Kruger in an interview with the Oklahoma Gazette. "We've got some great veterans back, and we've got some talented young players who are looking to make a contribution. It's going to be a fun season to watch."

Key Returning Players:

• Buddy Hield - Junior, Guard

• Jordan Woodard - Junior, Guard

• Isaiah Cousins - Junior, Guard/Forward

• Ryan Spangler - Junior, Forward

Newcomers:

• Waynyn Peek - Freshman, Guard

• Tyler Neal - Freshman, Forward

• Austin Grandstaff - Freshman, Guard

The Sooners' 2016 roster was known for its talent and depth, but also its experience and chemistry. With a combined total of over 1,000 collegiate games played among the main contributors, this team was poised to make a run in the Big 12 and potentially further in the NCAA tournament.

"We're a team that has been together for a few years now, so we know how to communicate and how to work together," said Ryan Spangler in an interview with ESPN. "We've got a good mix of younger and older players, and I think that's going to serve us well this season."

As the season got underway, the Sooners' high expectations were reflected in their performance on the court. They opened with a decisive victory over defending champion Kentucky and continued to roll, putting together a winning streak of over 10 games in the middle of the season.

• The Sooners led the nation in three-point shooting percentage, shooting over 43% from beyond the arc.

• Buddy Hield led the Big 12 in scoring average, with a mark of 20.8 points per contest.

• Jordan Woodard set a school record for most three-pointers made in a single season, with 65.

While the Sooners' performance on the court was impressive, their schedule was also incredibly demanding. The Big 12 is widely regarded as one of the strongest conferences in the nation, and the Sooners' 18-game league slate included matchups against many of the conference's top teams, including defending champion Kansas and powerful Baylor.

"We know it's going to be tough, but we're excited for the challenge," said Lon Kruger. "We feel like we've got the talent and the experience to compete with any team in the conference."

Despite their high expectations, the Sooners ultimately fell short of their goal of a Big 12 title. They struggled with tournament play, being eliminated by Villanova in the round of 32. Several factors contributed to their postseason disappointment, including a rash of injuries to key players and a tough draw in the NCAA tournament bracket.

"We had a great season, but we still came up short," said Buddy Hield, who would go on to win the Naismith College Player of the Year award. "We'll look back on this season and think about what we did well and what we didn't do well, and we'll use that to get better next year."

While the Sooners' 2016 season ultimately ended in disappointment, it was without a doubt a season to remember. With a mix of star power, depth, and chemistry, the Sooners looked to make their mark on the Big 12 and beyond.