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Bennett brings shot-blocking ability to OU

With the signing of D.J. Bennett (Ottumwa, Iowa/Indian Hills CC), Oklahoma added size to its roster to finalize Lon Kruger’s first recruiting class in Norman.

A 6-foot-8 shot blocking forward, Bennett averaged nine points and six rebounds as Indian Hills went 33-4 this season.

“He brings high energy, shot-blocking ability and rebounding skills,” Kruger said in a release. “He also has the potential to be more of a scorer in the low post than he has been."

Bennett could fill a role similar to departing senior C.J. Washington, who brought defense, energy and rebounding off the bench for last year’s Sooner squad. He gives Kruger another option in the post along with Romero Osby, Andrew Fitzgerald and Casey Arent.

A junior with two years of eligibility remaining, Bennett could also provide a scoring option in the post if he continues to improve his offensive post game. After scoring double figures only two times in his first 25 games of last season, he scored double figures in 10 of his final 12 outings.

"D.J.'s a fantastic athlete," Indian Hills coach Barrett Peery said in a release. "Activity is his best asset. He can really run, he can really get on the rim and can rebound and block shots with his activity, his length and his bounce.

“He brings high energy, shot-blocking ability and rebounding skills. He also has the potential to be more of a scorer in the low post than he has been."