NORMAN – For the seventh straight year, Oklahoma men’s basketball alumni reunited at Lloyd Noble Center for the Legends Alumni Game on Saturday. Led by an alumni game record of 43 points, Cade Davis (2008-11) led the Crimson team to a 91-80 victory over the Cream team.
Coached by Buddy Hield (2013-16), Crimson went on an 18-6 run in the final five minutes to seal the victory over the Bo Overton-led Cream.
“It’s great to come back and see the new guys and a lot of the older guys,” said Davis. “It’s just a fun weekend for everyone to come back and enjoy the memories.”
Davis, who will spend the upcoming season playing professionally in Cyprus, sunk 11 3-pointers on his old college court to fuel his scoring record. Eduardo Najera (1997-2000) helped pace the winning side with 15 points and 21 boards while Michael Neal (2006-07) scored 19.Tyler Neal (2011-14) led the Cream squad in scoring with 27 points and Chris Black (1993) added 24 points.
After falling to rival coach Blake Griffin in last season’s alumni game, Hield improved to 1-1 as a coach in the event.
“It’s a lot more fun coaching and winning than coaching and losing,” said Hield. “It was fun getting the chance to coach the guys…It’s great to come back and have some fun. Get the opportunity to hang out with the coaches and the fans and say what’s up, it’s great.”
Saturday’s game capped off the Sooner Basketball Family Weekend, which also included Friday’s Tip In Club Golf Tournament and a Tip In Club Dinner at Lloyd Noble Center. A tradition that started in Lon Kruger’s first year at the helm of the OU program, the weekend continues to bring Sooner greats back to Norman.
“It’s fantastic,” said Kruger. “It means that they had a great time as Sooners on this campus. They want to come back, they look forward to the reunion every year. More and more teammates are coming back from the various eras. It means a lot for our guys to watch and see how much it means to those former players. They have a passion for the time they spent on campus as Sooners and our guys recognize that.”
Not only was the weekend an opportunity for past Sooners to reconnect and celebrate the basketball program, but it allowed current players a chance to interact with previous generations who donned the Crimson and Cream before them.
“This is always one of my favorite events to come to,” said freshman guard Trae Young.
“Being able to be a representative now is pretty cool. Being able to see guys like Eduardo and seeing Buddy again…seeing shooters like Cade Davis. I remember watching him as a kid play. It’s fun to watch and be a part of.”
POINT TOTALS
Crimson (91)
Cade Davis – 43
Michael Neal – 19
Eduardo Najera – 15
Darryl “Choo” Kennedy – 9
Clifford Johnson – 3
Beau Gerber – 2
Cream (80)
Tyler Neal – 27
Chris Black – 24
David Godbold – 10
Kermit Holmes – 9
Skeeter Henry – 8
Bill Dutcher – 2
