Fourteen years ago today, on April 1, 2011, the Oklahoma Sooners made a significant move in their basketball program’s history, naming Lon Kruger as their 14th head coach. The hiring of Kruger marked the beginning of a new era for Oklahoma basketball, as the experienced coach brought stability, discipline, and a track record of success to Norman.
Now, over a decade later, Kruger’s impact on the program is undeniable. From guiding the Sooners to a Final Four appearance to mentoring future NBA talent like Buddy Hield and Trae Young, Kruger’s tenure left an indelible mark on Oklahoma basketball.
A Look Back at Kruger’s Hiring
When Oklahoma athletic director Joe Castiglione hired Kruger in 2011, the Sooners were searching for consistency after a turbulent few seasons. The program had seen highs and lows under previous coach Jeff Capel, including a Final Four run in 2009 but also back-to-back losing seasons in 2010 and 2011.
Kruger was seen as the perfect fit to rebuild the program. He had already established himself as one of the most respected coaches in college basketball, having led multiple teams to the NCAA Tournament, including Kansas State, Florida, Illinois, and UNLV. His reputation as a coach who could turn around programs made him an attractive choice for the Sooners.
At his introductory press conference, Kruger spoke about his vision for Oklahoma:
“The goal is always to compete at the highest level, to develop young men both on and off the court, and to make the university and the fans proud. We want to build a program that is consistently in the conversation for championships.”
Kruger’s Success at Oklahoma
Kruger wasted no time in making an impact. Over his ten seasons (2011-2021) at Oklahoma, he:
- Guided the Sooners to seven NCAA Tournament appearances
- Led OU to the 2016 Final Four
- Produced multiple NBA players, including Buddy Hield and Trae Young
- Won over 195 games, finishing with a .605 winning percentage at OU
One of Kruger’s biggest accomplishments was leading Oklahoma to the 2016 Final Four, thanks to the dynamic play of Buddy Hield, who won the Naismith College Player of the Year award that season. The Sooners defeated Oregon in the Elite Eight before falling to eventual champion Villanova in the Final Four.
In 2018, another of Kruger’s recruits, Trae Young, took the college basketball world by storm. Young led the nation in points and assists per game, becoming a top-five NBA Draft pick and helping Oklahoma return to the NCAA Tournament.
Kruger’s Legacy and Retirement
After ten seasons at Oklahoma, Kruger announced his retirement in March 2021, closing a legendary career that spanned 35 years as a head coach. His departure left a lasting impact, not just on the Sooners but on college basketball as a whole.
To honor Kruger’s contributions, Oklahoma has planned a tribute showcasing his achievements, including a display of memorable moments from his tenure, his Final Four appearance, and the NBA stars he coached. The university is also considering renaming a part of the Lloyd Noble Center in his honor.
A Lasting Impact on Oklahoma Basketball
Fourteen years after his hiring, Kruger’s influence is still felt in Norman. His leadership restored Oklahoma basketballto national prominence, built a culture of winning, and set the foundation for the current success of the program.
As Oklahoma reflects on this day in Sooners history, fans can look back on April 1, 2011, as the day the program took a major step forward—thanks to the hiring of a coach who truly left his mark on Oklahoma basketball.