Catching up with Lon Kruger pre Kansas

Texas head coach Rick Barnes, left, and Oklahoma head coach Lon Kruger talk before a men's college basketball game between the University of Oklahoma (OU) and the University of Texas at the Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, Okla., Monday, Jan. 21, 2013. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman

The Sooners are approaching game No. 3 of a tough seven-game stretch which includes two games against Kansas and two against Kansas State.

Here’s what Lon Kruger had to say after the Sooners’ final afternoon practice before they make the trip to Lawrence, Kan.

Can you talk about the matchup against Kansas?

Kansas is terrific. They’ve got great size. They’ve got really good perimeter length. Defensively they guard you as well as anyone in the country. All the guys on the perimeter slide their feet very well and then they’ve got Withey back there behind to clean up if there is a mistake made. They’re outstanding. Offensively they share the ball. They’re a good inside and outside threat. That’s why they’re one of the top two or three teams in the country.

What do you like about the way the guys have practiced since the Kansas State game?

Our guys have practiced well for the last month especially. Coming out of the holiday, I thought their attitudes and focus was very good, energy level has been good all year. They’ve moved the ball better and we’ve moved ourselves better. I think we’ve got to keep improving in that area but guys have had that approach to practice all year long.

First time you faced an elite team it was Gonzaga when you kind of got kicked around. How better equipped do you think these guys are right now for that?