Former Oklahoma HS Player Of The Year Ryan Spangler To Transfer Closer To Home

The Oklahoma Basketball program is still looking to add to itself in terms of depth. Depth was and still is a major concern with this team under the direction of Head Coach Lon Kruger. Now, the Sooners could find a hidden gem of sorts in the news of a local kid and former Oklahoma Gatorade Player of the Year wanting to be closer to home. The basketball program currently has a vacant scholarship spot for the 2012 class. Could this be an answered prayer for Kruger and Co.?

After garnering the Gatorade Player of the Year award, Ryan Spangler signed with the Gonzaga Bulldogs. At 6'8 225, you begin to gain attention simply because of your size. From there, you simply need to show that you have the skill set that can be developed to play on the next level.

At Bridge Creek HS in Blanchard, OK, Spangler was a standout not only on the hardwood but also on the gridiron. His decision to pursue basketball would take him to Spokane, WA after the only in state program to recruit him was the Tulsa Golden Hurricane. As a true freshman, Spangler saw time in 22 games. However, most of that time came in mop up duty while he averaged 2.5 points and 2.4 rebounds. In the NCAA Tournament, Spangler would have his best game of the 2011-2012 campaign against West Virginia with 4 points and 8 rebounds. Now, just a year and a half after his signing, Spangler is feeling a bit home sick and will be looking to transfer somewhere closer to home.

Gonzaga has already granted Spangler his release and he will be searching for another shot.

Looking at the depth in post players, Oklahoma currently has Andrew Fitzgerald and Romero Osby. Behind those two will be Amath M'Baye and Tyler Neal followed by Casey Arent. However, the reason for concern is that four of those names will be seniors in this upcoming season. It is time to start reloading at the four and five and Spangler could fit the mold that Lon Kruger is looking for.

Word on the street is that Spangler will take a visit to Oklahoma this weekend. Maybe he will take in the Spring Game as well as get a feel for the campus, the fans, and tradition.