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Blake Griffin's decision to return to OU gives the Sooners some star pieces to 2008-09 puzzle. But why did he do it?
Griffin's decision to return gives OU some star pieces to 2008-09 puzzle

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By Scott Wright
Published: April 10, 2008

NORMAN — University of Oklahoma basketball star Blake Griffin sat in a campus computer lab late Wednesday morning to find the computer's Internet browser displaying the NewsOK.com home page. There, he found a poll asking readers if they believed the Sooners' talented freshman would stay in college or turn pro.

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It was still a couple hours before the scheduled news conference in which Griffin would answer that for good, but on his computer screen, he clicked "stay in college.”

"I wanted to make it accurate,” Griffin said, flashing his childish grin.

The 19-year-old Sooner standout announced Wednesday he would turn down the chance to be a multimillionaire to stay at OU another season.

Griffin cited several reasons that were both personal and team-oriented.

"(We have) the chance to have a great team next year, to be better and improve upon last year,” Griffin said during the news conference at the Kerr-McGee Courtside Club adjacent to Lloyd Noble Center. "(I can) get better individually and be more prepared for when I do leave, to be ready to come in and actually make a difference and contribute on an NBA roster.”

Griffin said he came to his decision early this week and spoke with coach Jeff Capel.

"I'm just happy for Blake,” Capel said. "I'm happy that he's doing what he wants to do.

"We gathered information, and he made an informed decision. Most importantly, he made a decision on what he wants to do. It may not be popular to some other people. Either way, I would've been happy. I'm one of the biggest Blake Griffin fans.”

It was about ‘being ready'
Griffin overcame two knee injuries to average 14.7 points and 9.1 rebounds per game in one of the most impressive freshman seasons at OU since Wayman Tisdale in 1983. Griffin said his knee problems, or the potential for future injuries, did not factor strongly into his decision.

"It is a factor, but injuries will always be there, so you can't really focus on that,” he said. "What it came down to was more about me being ready, not whether I was going to have an injury, or if that was going to hurt me next year. It was about me being ready.”


 

Related Topics: Basketball, Sports, College Basketball, Men's Professional Basketball

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I meant willie warren
Byron, Suitland - Apr 11, 2008 at 5:20 pm
I meant willie warren
Byron, Suitland - Apr 11, 2008 at 5:20 pm
Arron from Holdenville, OU has recruited very good back ups for the Griffins and every other position, UCLA transfer Ryan Wright from Ontario 6'9", Kyle Cannon from Baltimore 6"8", center 6'11" Orlando Allen of Cincinnati, the arrival of Willie Williams may put Tony Crocker on the wing if OU plans to a 3 guard rotation. OU will be very deep and experienced next year come march do expect a deep run in the NCAA's.
Byron, Suitland - Apr 10, 2008 at 5:45 pm
We are lacking depth at our 4 and 5 positions. The Griffins will need dependable back-ups.
Arron, Holdenville - Apr 10, 2008 at 3:04 pm
great things are in store for the sooner nation in next year's basketball season!
Jeff, Moore - Apr 10, 2008 at 3:13 am
Report as inappropriate or
Ignore Jeff
Sooner Basketball is BACK!!!
Tue, Burbank - Apr 10, 2008 at 2:11 am
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Ignore Tue

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