Soaring Higher

We like to ask questions we already know the answers to. Some enjoy the process to a fault. Others use the tactic to generate buzz such as a mailbag gimmick with fake questions.

A popular question in Oklahoma these days centers on indifference toward our college basketball teams.

Why are fans disinterested in our state teams and college basketball in general?

There are a couple of easy answers. First and foremost is the NCAA Tournament renders the regular season meaningless. Good for the University of Tulsa but bad for Oral Roberts.

The second and more localized reason is simple. Our teams stink.

You could blame the burgeoning Oklahoma City Thunder to a degree. Oklahomans are finally witnessing a high-caliber of basketball.

The Thunder plays with heart, passion and exquisite skill previously unknown to most Green Country basketball fans until last year. It would be like eating bologna your entire life and at the age of 30 being given a steak.

Would you be interested in going back to bologna? See another example of a question we already know the answer to.

Let's say you fall into the first category. You are not into college basketball until the big bracket hits your office desk. Well good luck guessing winners based off '90s reputations.

However, if you fall into the second category and want to delve into the college game but hate watching our state teams turnover opportunities, here is your fix.

The Oral Roberts Golden Eagles get overlooked. Head Coach Scott Sutton once again brings a battle-tested squad to the court.

Unlike previous years, this version of the Golden Eagles can beat you in a variety of ways. Several players have the chops to take over a game and dominate stretches.

GAVIN ELLIOTT

Senior Dominique Morrison is the catalyst. The 6'6'' swingman leads the team in minutes, points and game changing plays. He was named Summit League Athlete of the Month for January. He led the team to a 9-0 record.

He shoots phenomenal percentages and is deadly from behind the arc. On a team with balanced scoring (four players average double digits) he can still top 30 points when called upon.

The Summit League's top team will once again be featured during ESPN's Bracketbuster Saturday. Tipoff is scheduled for 1pm at the Mabee Center on Saturday, Feb. 18.

They take on the Akron Zips out of the Mid-American Conference. Why should this excite T-Town b-ball enthusiasts? I'm not sure it should.

The premise remains the same since day one. Pit a couple of non-big league schools against each other for recognition. Maybe they should tweak it in the coming years to pit an ORU-type squad against a bubble-riding major conference school. Pipe dream, I know.

So bring on the Zips. They have defeated ORU in all four previous meetings including an 84-80 loss in Akron last season.

The Mabee Center will be rocking. Five thousand t-shirts will be placed on the lower bowl seats creating a good ol' college "white out" atmosphere.

It will also be Senior Day. And for those looking for a little something extra for their entertainment dollar, they will run the Diaper Dash at halftime. Something for everyone.

Maybe next year a big-time bubble school such as Texas or Iowa State will get a taste of what the Golden Eagles are cooking up in South Tulsa. Visit orugoldeneagles.com for more information including tickets.

Get on Up

Had a friend who pole vaulted in high school. He was not very good. Well, he was better than those of us who choose not to participate but against other semi-skilled pole vaulters he sucked.

He once made an attempt during competition and broke his pole. It was as painful and funny as it sounds.

Pole vaulting is one of those events that gets people aroused once every four years. Maybe.

Oral Roberts junior Jack Whitt hopes to change your opinion. The All-American recently captured his sixth career Indoor Track and Field Athlete of the Week honor and second consecutive after winning the pole vault title at the Herm Wilson Invitational with a nation-leading 18'1'' vault.

He is automatically qualified for the NCAA Championships just one month into the indoor season. He is ranked no. 1 in the nation.

A big round of applause to Whitt and the Golden Eagles Track and Field team. Head Coach Joe Dial is pulling strings and pressing buttons.

It is a head scratcher. How on earth did ORU become a pole vaulting hotbed?

Jenks senior Dillon Lookout committed to ORU this month. Lookout is the fourth ranked high school pole vaulter in the nation. He is a three-time All-American and two-time state champion.

"What attracted Dillon to ORU is the fact that he is a local guy, and with Jack Whitt here, it was a nice fit for him." said Dial. "I think he will be a great addition."

Again, congratulations to ORU, Whitt and Lookout.

Who knew?

Send all comments and feedback regarding Left Field to ddavis@urbantulsa.com