The Oklahoma Sooners have etched Buddy Hield's name into eternity, retiring his iconic No. 24 jersey – a fitting tribute to a player who transcended the game and captivated a fanbase.
Key Points of a Sooner Icon's Career:
- Buddy Hield's No. 24 jersey officially retired by the Oklahoma Sooners at the Lloyd Noble Center.
- Led the Sooners to the 2016 Final Four, earning unanimous AP All-American honors in a historic senior season.
- Two-time Big 12 Player of the Year, renowned for his sharpshooting and clutch performances.
- Joins an exclusive club of Sooners legends, including Blake Griffin and Wayman Tisdale, to have their jerseys retired.
A Sooner Legend's Lasting Legacy Takes Center Stage
Saturday night at the Lloyd Noble Center was more than just a game; it was a celebration. The Oklahoma Sooners officially retired Buddy Hield's No. 24 jersey during a halftime ceremony against Texas A&M, solidifying his place among the pantheon of OU greats. The atmosphere was electric, a testament to the enduring impact of the sharpshooting guard from Freeport, Bahamas.
Hield, visibly moved, was joined by family, former teammates, and coaches from that unforgettable 2016 Final Four squad. Among them were former Oklahoma coach Lon Kruger and current Omaha coach Chris Crutchfield, who played a crucial role in bringing Hield to Norman. It was a powerful moment, as the banner bearing his number was hoisted high, forever a beacon of excellence.
The Unforgettable 2016 Campaign: A Scoring Masterclass
Few players have dominated the college basketball landscape quite like Buddy Hield did in 2016. As a senior, he wasn't just good; he was transcendent. Hield averaged an astonishing 25 points per game, showcasing his incredible offensive prowess. His shooting from beyond the arc was legendary, hitting 45.7% from 3-point range – numbers that cemented him as a unanimous first-team Associated Press All-American. This stellar season culminated in him leading the Sooners on a thrilling run to the Final Four, etching his name into Oklahoma lore.
This phenomenal performance wasn't a fluke; it was the peak of a consistently brilliant career that saw him earn the prestigious Big 12 Player of the Year award not once, but twice. His relentless scoring and unwavering clutch gene made him a nightmare for opposing defenses and a hero for the Sooner Nation.
Iconic Moments: Beyond the Stats
While the numbers speak volumes, Buddy Hield's legacy is also built on moments of pure magic. Who could forget his legendary 46-point performance in a triple-overtime epic against No. 1 Kansas in 2016? Even in defeat, it was a display of sheer will and offensive firepower. Later that same season, he delivered another masterpiece, scoring 37 points in the Elite Eight victory over Oregon, earning him NCAA West Regional Most Outstanding Player honors.
His clutch factor wasn't confined to his senior year. A season prior, Hield's last-second tip-in against Kansas secured a dramatic home victory in a clash of ranked teams. These moments, ingrained in the memories of Sooners fans, define the kind of competitor Buddy Hield truly was.
From Norman to the NBA Hardwood
Buddy Hield's collegiate success was a clear indicator of his NBA potential. He was selected as the sixth pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, embarking on a professional career that has now spanned a decade. Playing currently for the Atlanta Hawks, Hield has maintained his reputation as an elite perimeter scorer.
Throughout his 10-year NBA career, he has consistently averaged almost 15 points per game and shot nearly 40% from 3-point range, proving his collegiate skill set translated perfectly to the highest level of basketball. His journey from Oklahoma standout to respected NBA veteran is a testament to his talent and dedication, making his jersey retirement an even sweeter acknowledgment of his incredible contributions to the game.
