KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Two weeks ago, Oklahoma forward Tiny Gallon wasn’t sure about his future. The freshman said he would wait until the end of the season to decide if he would return.
The decision came quicker than expected.
“I’m coming back for another year,” he said Tuesday at the Sprint Center, where the Sooners were preparing to face Oklahoma State in the first round of the Big 12 tournament at 6 p.m. today.
It would appear to be a very wise decision since Gallon didn’t exactly have a breakout freshman season. He averaged 10 points and eight rebounds a game.
Gallon said he discussed his future with Sooner coach Jeff Capel prior to the team leaving for Kansas City, Mo. Both agreed Gallon needed at least one more year of college basketball before he should think about professional basketball.
“He told me he would make me a great player. Right now I’m just a good player. I’m pretty much just average right now, and I don’t want to be average. I want to be a great player,” Gallon said.
“When I talked to him, and he told me to come back and get another year in. If I tried to come out right now, I wouldn’t be mentally ready. The NBA is very tough. Coach Capel knows what he’s doing. I think if I do another year, I’ll be OK.”
Gallon’s decision, which appears to be mutual, seems to clarify at least part of how the Sooners will move forward after the season ends.
Capel has said several times over the last month he doesn’t know what OU’s roster will look like next season.
Injured guard Willie Warren is at least looking at declaring for the NBA draft. Other players could elect to transfer or not have their scholarships renewed.
Struggling through OU’s first losing season since 1981 means there will be changes.
“We will do things differently. What this is? I don’t know yet,” Capel said. “I don’t know who that group is going to be.”
John Shinn 366-3536 jshinn@normantranscript.com
