The Oklahoma star tweeted out a beautiful goodbye message to Sooners players, coaches and fans only two days after his team’s brutal loss to Villanova in the Final Four. Hield’s words reflected the incredible class and grace he showed on and off the court throughout his college career.
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“Saturday wasn’t the way I wanted to end my college career but I have a lot to be thankful for and I will never forget the experience at the final 4 we shared. I just want to take the time to thank everyone who has supported me in my journey over the past 4 years. Many see this as the end of the road but I see it as the start of many great things.
“Words cannot express how thankful I am to have attended the University of Oklahoma. My college career has been more than I can imagine, through the ups and downs the Sooner family has always been by my side. I want to thank all of the fans that have watched our team for the past four years. Without you all, we would not have had the drive that we did.
“To my teammates, y’all have been the best I could have played with and everyone of you encourage me to be the best I can be. To (Oklahoma) coach (Lon) Kruger and his family, thank you for treating me as a part of your family and coaching me up to be the best I can. (Oklahoma assistant) Coach (Chris) Crutchfield, thank you for taking the time to invest in me when I was young and staying with me throughout my journey.
“To the rest of the coaching staff, thank you for all the countless hours you have spent with me, training, mentoring and coaching me into the person I am today. OU will always hold a special place in my heart and I am forever thankful for the time I spent here. I know I will always have a second home here. Once a Sooner, always a Sooner. Thank you for everything, Love you Forever!! #BuddyBuckets”
Hield, who averaged 25 points per game and shot better than 50 percent from the field as a senior, is expected to be a lottery pick in this year’s NBA Draft. When you combine Hield’s stellar play in the NCAA Tournament with his excellent character, he could sneak into the top five.
