OU Faces Criticism Going Into NCAA Tournament

OU got on the practice court Wednesday in Pittsburgh ahead of Thursday’s game against Rhode Island.

3/12/2018 Related Story: OU Is In, OSU Is Out Of NCAA Basketball Tournament

Oklahoma and Rhode Island tip off the NCAA Tournament in Pittsburgh Thursday at 11:15 a.m. The 7th-seeded Rams are a senior-laden team that described themselves as “scrappy” and one that keeps coming at you with defense until the clock hits zero. 

Oklahoma's forte is definitely not being scrappy but one that, when they are on, can score in bushels. Trae Young was asked about having a chip on his shoulder after hearing a deluge of national criticism about OU not deserving to be here.

"We've been good this week on just focusing on Rhode Island. They're a very good team. Got a lot of respect for them. So, we got to be ready to play. But, I mean, we do play with a chip on our shoulder, especially as of late, we haven't been playing very good. We all sat down, we made sure and let everybody know this is a new season, so it's 0-0, and it's a new breath of fresh air. We got to come out and play and be ready,” said Young. 

OU is one of 8 teams in Pittsburgh including No. 1 seed Villanova and No. 2 Duke. Mike Krychevsky was asked about Trae Young but said, "We looked at him, but I won't comment unless we are lucky enough to play Oklahoma in the second round.