The biggest weakness on Oklahoma’s team in Lon Kruger’s first season was its lack of depth. The starters had to play big minutes and didn’t have to fight for their time on the court, which is the ideal situation when trying to build a winner.

“We didn’t have the threat of minutes -- there’s got to be some risk involved,” Kruger said. “They wanted to do it, they wanted to be more physical but a lot of times it’s get it done or come sit over here.

“This year it was get it done... or try again next time. That’s not the way you want to do it.”

With transfer Amath M'Baye becoming eligible and signees Buddy Hield and Je'lon Hornbeak joining the squad, OU’s depth should improve and competition for minutes should increase.

“That’s human nature,” Kruger said of the threat of less minutes changing the overall competitiveness on the team. “We all react to that.”