Former Sooner Godbold begins pro career

For most basketball players, the playing days end after the final game of a senior season in college. For a select few, a step to the professional ranks is in order; whether it be in the United States or Europe.

 

Jonathan Reed wants to create other options for players out of college, who may not be quite ready for the jump to the highest levels of professional basketball.

 

Reed’s basketball team, the Oklahoma Impact, plays in the United Basketball League (UBL). Reed, who continues to play professional basketball in Ireland, says he owns and operates his Oklahoma based franchise in order to help players gain the exposure necessary to make it to the next level.

 

Reed, who was overseas at the time of this article, was unavailable for comment. The website for his company, OnPoint Hoops, describes his mission, however.

 

According to www.onpointhoops.com, the goal of Reed’s company, which is also involved with the UBL and the Oklahoma Impact, is “…to help players improve their game and create future playing opportunities.”

 

OU fans will recognize David Godbold, the man who wears number 15 for the Impact. Godbold played the previous four seasons in Norman for the Sooners, and now is looking to extend his professional career, by making his mark with the Impact.

 

The UBL is a five-team league, with teams located in Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma.

 

While the players earn a small paycheck in the UBL, they earn more money by bringing in fans, and selling their own tickets to the games. UBL games usually take place on Saturday nights.

 

Godbold, who graduated from OU in May of 2008 with a degree in journalism, is one of those players now looking to create future opportunities on the basketball court.

 

After being drafted to the Colorado 14’ers of the NBA Developmental League (NBADL) upon graduation, Godbold battled to make the roster. He was eventually released by the 14’ers, and began working with the Tulsa 66’ers of the NBADL, as a member of their practice squad.

 

While in Tulsa, Godbold was able to workout with the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder.

 

“I got to get experience working with the NBA guys, and NBA coaches,” Godbold said of working with the Thunder. Godbold said he worked out and stayed in shape on his own, as well as practicing with the 66’ers and Thunder, until he got the call this February from Impact Head Coach/General Manager, Rick McCormick.

 

McCormick, who, according to www.oklahomaimpact.com, has coached collegiate basketball for over 28 years, said he is thrilled to have Godbold aboard.

 

“David is a great asset,” McCormick said. “He has really played well for us so far this season, with a couple of big offensive nights.”

 

Griffin Shaffer, one of the play-by-play broadcasters for the Impact, has seen Godbold’s talents in two home games so far this season, and said he thinks Godbold is one of the top players in the UBL.

 

“He can take over a game whenever he wants,” Shaffer said. “I wouldn’t be surprised to see him making it to the next level, whether it be the NBADL, or over in Europe somewhere.”

 

Earlier this season, Godbold expressed his desire to play at the next level, and said that Europe would be something to which he would be open, if the opportunity were available.

 

Impact color commentator, Nathan Feken also said he thinks Godbold can play at the next level because of his leadership.

 

“He can definitely step up and hit the big shot,” Feken said of Godbold. “Any team can use a guy who knows how to come through in the clutch.”

 

The Impact, which is 4-1 through the first five games of the season, has relied on Godbold to be its top offensive threat.

 

“If he keeps playing this way, there is no reason he shouldn’t find a team to play for this fall,” Shaffer said. “It is just a matter of time before someone notices this guy.”

 

The Oklahoma Impact plays its home games in Bethany, on the campus of Southwestern Christian University. It’s next home game is May 23, against the Arkansas Warriors.

David Godbold practices free throws at Oklahoma Impact practice. The 

Impact plays in the United Basketball League.

Oklahoma Impact Head Coach/GM Rick McCormick speaks about David Godbold

Godbold describes the path which took him from OU to the UBL.

OU hockey looks to sign new prospects

While hockey fans across the nation are watching their favorite teams participate in the NHL playoffs, OU hockey fans are watching their team closely to see the offseason moves being made.
The Sooners, who finished postseason play with a 6th place finish in the final rankings, will lose eight players to graduation, and four more for personal reasons.
Junior Chris Nicolaou said the team will be hard-pressed to find replacements for all the players who will be lost.
“There are some guys you just can’t replace,” Nicoloau said. “But I know our coaching staff is doing its best to get a bunch of new guys in here for next season.”
Team officials say that the team is in the middle of the recruiting process, and has eyes on several players from the North American Hockey League, as well as the United States Hockey league.
“We as players are kind of in the dark right now as well,” Nicolaou said. “In the coming weeks, will all get a better idea of who will be skating for our team next season.”

OU Men's golf takes 10th in Tempe

OU Men’s golf snagged a 10th place finish this weekend at Arizona State’s Thunderbird Invitational. The event was the final regular season tournament for the men, who will begin postseason play April 27-29 at the Big 12 Championships in Hutchinson, Kan. 

Arizona State won the tournament by a wide margin, defeating Denver University, and San Diego State by 18 strokes. The Sun Devils were the only team in the tournament to finish under par, recording an outstanding score of -14 over the three-round tournament.

Junior Eric Durbin led the way for the Sooners, carding an even par finish, which was good enough to tie him for ninth place.

Sophomore Liam Logan, aided by a final round 69 (-2), finished in a tied for 25th.

Going in to the Big 12 Championships, the Sooners will have their work cut out for them. With the tournament just two weeks away, OU is currently ranked last in the Big 12 Golfstat rankings.

OU women's golf takes second

Sooner golf recorded a solid outing in its final regular season tournament of the season, taking second place in the 31st annual Susie Maxwell Berning Classic. The Sooner women gave up a two-round lead over Baylor, and allowed the Bears to take over the first place slot.

The second-place finish was somewhat overshadowed by a couple individual performances for the Sooners. Senior Kendall Dye took first place individually in the tournament, scoring a 225 (+9), and was followed in second place by fellow Sooner Ellen Mueller 229 (+13).

Dye said she was excited to win, but at least somewhat disappointed in the team finish.

I really wanted the team to win as well, but we still can’t be upset with a second place finish,” Dye said. “The conditions were tough, but it gave each one of us an experience that we can take with us into the future.

The future for the Sooner women will be the Big 12 Championship, which will be held in Lubbock, Texas, April 24-26.

Despite wind; women's golf leads tournament

In its final regular season tournament, women’s golf leads the windy 31^st Susie Maxwell Berning Classic with a two round total of 629. The Sooners lead Oral Roberts by four strokes going into Monday’s third and final round.

 After round one, second place OU trailed the University of Texas-El Paso by just one stroke, recording a 315 (+27). UTEP fell to 5^th after the second round, now trailing OU’s pace by six strokes.

 OU has had success on the individual side as well, as sophomore Ellen Mueller is tied for first with a two-round total of 151. Along with University of Arkansas-Little Rock’s Sara Wikstrom, Mueller leads OU Senior Kendall Dye by just one stroke. Dye and the rest of the golfers braved the elements, which involved heavy winds in the Norman area.

It was tough, but it was tough for everyone out there,”  Dye said.  “We spent the last week playing out there with the north and the south winds and even in the cold when we didn’t want to be playing in that."

The tournament, which is being held at OU’s Jimmie Austin Golf Club, will begin it’s final round Monday, with a shotgun start at 9 a.m.

Jimmie Austin Golf Club Hiring

OU students looking for a spring or summer job could have an answer right here in Norman. 

OU's Jimmie Austin Golf Club is now hiring students for the outside staff area, part of the guest services department. 

According to www.jimmieaustingolf.com, the club's website, the course has served Norman residents, and OU students for over 50 years. The club is also home to OU's men's and women's golf teams.

Assistant Golf Professional Lance Maxwell said the club is looking to hire, "...outgoing students who enjoy working outdoors and interacting with customers in a golf course environment."

In an e-mail, Maxwell said that students interested in a position with the club should call the pro shop, or stop by and ask for an application. 

Sooners fall in Elite Eight to North Carolina

OU basketball fell to North Carolina Sunday in the elite eight, 72-60. The Tar Heels win earned them their 18th Final Four appearance, which ties them for most all time.

The loss ends the Sooners season, and possibly the collegiate career of sophomore Blake Griffin, who most believe will leave OU to go to the NBA.

Last year's national player of the year, UNC's Tyler Hansbrough, spoke about Griffin's game afterwards. 

"One thing about Blake is I think he's tough down low to box out," Hansbrough said. "I think one thing about him is he's one of the best rebounders I've played against and so that was very tough."

UNC will face Villanova in one of the national semi-finals, while Michigan State will play Connecticut in the other.