What Turner Brings To The Table

RivalsHoops.com watched Larry Turner, a 6-10, 225-pound center/power forward from Bridgton Academy, six times this season. The six times RivalsHoops.com viewed Turner came at different time periods. This allowed us to get a good read on how he progressed under head coach Whit Lesure.

And at each game we watched in person, Turner's game improved. "I wish we had had him for a full season instead of half a season," Lesure told us. "Larry really picked it up and was a much better player at the end of the year. Once he became more comfortable with his new surroundings and teammates, he fitted in nicely."

Turner's last game will give Oklahoma fans an idea of what type of player they are getting. Yesterday, Turner called the coaches involved in his recruiting process and told them he was signing with Oklahoma. His family also confirmed the commitment by Turner to the Big 12 school.

In Turner's last game on the high school level, he scored 12 points. His team lost but Larry played well, worked hard, and ran the court like a guard.

Turner will pick up a lot of points on the college level if he continues to run the floor like he did for Lesure. On two occasions, he beat his defender down the court for massive dunks. Turner appeared more comfortable too in the paint with his post-up moves. This area will need improvement. However, Turner was much more agile with his inside moves at the end of the year than he was when he started playing for Bridgton in January of 2002.

Turner also worked hard in the paint. He blocked five shots and grabbed eight rebounds. This is his most consistent part of his game. Turner will defend and rebound.

Turner was rated three stars by RivalsHoops.com. If he had played most of the season, it's likely he would have been elevated near the four star mark. The rebounding on both ends of the court and his shot-blocking skills will help provide fastbreak opportunities for the Sooners offense. Oklahoma has signed a fine student/athlete, according to Lesure.

"Larry is going to be a very good student and a very good college basketball player," Lesure said. "As I said before, it was great to know Larry for the six months. I wish we had more time with him. He will be very successful on and off the court. He has that type of personality and he works hard."