Oklahoma Basketball | Buddy Hield Withheld From Euro Tour Games

There is no name more recognizable than that of Buddy Hield on this Oklahoma Sooners basketball roster. In 2012 he quickly emerged as a vocal leader and the possible future of this team behind a magnetic personality and motor that never ceases. However, a past injury will force the coaching staff to withhold Hield from the playing in games during the upcoming European tour.

During his freshman campaign, Buddy could be found doing what he does best...playing with high energy and intensity. As routine as that had become, February 11th of this year tells a different story as Hield stepped awkwardly on a TCU player's foot. The incident appeared as though it were nothing more than an ankle roll. Yet, later testing revealed a broken fifth metatarsal, sidelining Buddy for 4-6 weeks.

For precautionary reasons, @buddyhield to be held out of games on team's Europe trip (foot flare-up). Long-term health the top priority.

— Oklahoma Basketball (@OU_MBBall) July 31, 2013

Now in preparation for the Sooners European tour, they find themselves once again with Hield. A flare-up has caused the coaching staff to take precautionary measures. These measures are to ensure Buddy has a future career ahead of him. But, even more so, the measures are to deliver a team at full strength during the regular season.

While he will still make the trip, Buddy will need to call upon his role as an encourager and vocal presence in huddles yet again.