One face many didn’t expect to see in the starting lineup alongside freshman guard Trae Young for the Sooners’ season opener was junior guard Christian James.
James looks to be a key cog for Oklahoma this year after a strong performance in the 108-89 win over Omaha.
He started last season well, averaging double figures through last November and December. Then he lost confidence. His points per game dropped to below six for the rest of the season.
Sophomore guard Kameron McGusty, however, is coming off a big freshman campaign. He received All-Big 12 honorable mention, was a member of the All-Big 12 Newcomer team and averaged 10.9 points per game.
McGusty was who people thought would start this season, but coach Lon Kruger had another idea. And it seems to be working based on the outcome.
“Christian’s been probably the most consistent as anyone we’ve had over the month, and you can go back into the summer,” Kruger said. “He’s worked hard at it.”
Early returns have been encouraging. Despite a shaky start for Young this afternoon — he airballed his first collegiate shot and only scored one shot from the field in the first half — the two scored 29 points.
“I didn’t shoot very well from the field at all today, but if that’s going to be my worst game, I’m glad I got it out now,” Young said.
Despite the displeasure, Young finished with a double-double of 15 points and 10 assists, while James followed right behind with 14 points.
“It won’t be unusual that (Young) does that, for sure,” Kruger said. “We expect him to make good plays. We expect him to push the pace and make good decisions. Scoring is a part of it.”
Kruger said with Young and James together, it’s natural for McGusty and sophomore guard Jordan Shepherd to be the replacements based on skill matchup, and that he’s still pleased to see McGusty “step up and do what he did” in the win. McGusty added nine points and three rebounds off the bench.
While James is currently starting, it doesn’t mean McGusty won’t find himself in the starting rotation again. Kruger emphasized the team’s depth after the game, saying he plans to use multiple lineups throughout the season.
“This should be a deep squad. Obviously, the more depth the better,” Kruger said. “Whether it be foul trouble, a tweaked ankle or whatever, it’s nice to know that you can go into the bench and get good production.”
The Sooners will be back in action at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15, against Ball State.
