OU has always been and, most likely, will always be a football school. And don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with that widely accepted statement.

However, the shadow the football program tends to leave others in the dark, namely men’s basketball.

After its revival by coach Jeff Capel and players like Blake Griffin, the team has enjoyed a bit more publicity than it has traditionally received over the past few years.

Last season we saw one of the best seasons in some time, and definitely the best season in Capel’s reign as head coach.

Truth be told, the men’s basketball team here at OU is one of the most underrated programs in the NCAA. And again, it is hard to measure up to the prestige of the football team, but take a look at the current condition of the program and there is a lot to be excited about.

1. Different lineup, same coach

There is perhaps no better up-and-coming coach than Capel. Since his arrival in 2006, he has made the most out of the hand he was originally dealt.

Despite the top three recruiting prospects leaving after the departure of Kelvin Sampson, Capel kept positive and managed to grab McDonald’s All-American Blake Griffin in his first recruiting class.

He has followed with a host of other top-tier players including current team captain Willie Warren.

If he continues at this pace, Capel is on track to doing some very special things with this program.

2. A great returning cast

So the Griffins are gone as well as players like Austin Johnson, and while their time here was much appreciated, their departure in no way makes this season less significant.

Key players such as Big 12 Freshman of the Year Willie Warren, who is currently considered one of the top five prospects for the 2010 NBA draft, and veteran marksman Tony Crocker, among others.

Also look for players like UCLA transfer Ryan Wright and Cade Davis to step up, as they will both be seeing increased playing time.

3. A host of young talent with several future-NBA prospects

It is a privilege to be a student at OU with this group of young guys.

Take a look at the group of talented freshmen Capel managed to grab this year, and you will notice two were honored as McDonald’s All-Americans.

These are, of course, forward Keith “Tiny” Gallon and guard Tommy Mason-Griffin. Forward Andrew Fitzgerald was an ESPN top-100 prospect and played significant minutes in the exhibition game against British Columbia.

All three have the chance to be great players for this team and to build potential careers into the NBA. Oh, and did I mention Willie Warren?

4. A more exciting strategy and playing style

At the men’s basketball media day, Capel alluded to two changes to this year’s game plan, more running and more threes.

The Sooners feature a fleet of downtown marksmen including the usual suspects of Warren, Davis and Crocker, but take into account the freshmen class (are you seeing a theme here?) and that group becomes even more deadly.

Both Mason-Griffin and freshman guard Steven Pledger shot 4-6 from downtown in exhibition play with sophomore guard Ray Willis also showed his range.

In the same press conference, Capel mentioned the possibility of playing Crocker at post, three additional guards and a center/power forward figure, most likely either Gallon or Wright.

This scheme would focus on running the floor and the fast break, and will be the most interesting part of the season to watch.

Once you see Crocker at the four, expect a lot of speed, long-range shooting and fast-break offense–three of the most exciting things to watch as a sports fan.

Bottom line: this season is a great opportunity for students.

Rarely does any team feature so much young and promising talent as this year’s team, and it’s the current OU students who have the privilege of watching these players mature into dominant athletes and NBA draft picks.

The first game tips off at 1 p.m. Saturday at Lloyd Noble. Sounds like a great place to start to me.