'Buddy' Hield showcasing out the full arsenal

Thu, Jan 7th 2016, 10:40 PM

While most were dazzled by Chavanno "Buddy" Hield's 46-point scoring display in Oklahoma's triple-overtime loss to Kansas on Monday, one statistic that really impressed a number of mock draft makers and National Basketball Association (NBA) scouts was the seven assists he tallied in the game. The number tied a career-high for him, and proved that he is becoming an improved passer. This was just the second time he reached that mark since December 29, 2012.

Hield withdrew himself from last year's NBA Draft when he announced he'd return to Oklahoma for his senior season. A lack of elite ball-handling and playmaking skills were the two biggest knocks against the 6'4" wingman, and played the biggest factors in his return.

"It was kind of embarrassing for me, because I'm always in the gym but I never really worked specifically on my ball handling," said Hield on his past shortcomings. You can't just go and take a gamble and bury yourself. You have to be smart."

Hield has averaged 1.9 assists per game each of the past three seasons with the Sooners, and although he's only up to 2.2 per game this year, he's shown an improved ability to create for himself and his teammates, particularly over the last five games (averaging 4.7 assists). That improved playmaking ability has also helped Hield's shooting percentage. He's currently shooting 50 percent from the field and 50 percent from behind the three-point line, a major improvement from 41 percent last year.

Although Hield's athleticism and shooting touch will remain his key draft assets, complete performances like the one against the Kansas Jayhawks will definitely propel him up the draft ladder. Reputable draft website nbadraft.net has already moved Hield up to No. 8 in their 2016 consensus mock draft. Prior to the game against Kansas, he was ranked at No. 11 on that list and 29th on ESPN draft analyst Chad Ford's big board.

A strong run in March along with memories of Hield's historic outing against the No. 1 ranked team in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) would put him in a prime position to be a lottery pick. Hield is currently averaging 26.3 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, and has scored 20 points or more in his last seven games.

The Sooners (12-1, 1-1 Big 12) will be in action again on Saturday when they take on Kansas State (10-4, 0-2 Big 12) at home in Norman, Oklahoma. Tip off is set for 4:30 p.m.

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