Spangler and Bennett a pair of players head coach Lon Kruger is excited to add to the roster.
“They’re two quality individuals who have great passion to be at the University of Oklahoma,” Kruger said. “It’s always a priority to have people in the program who really want to be here.”
From nearby Bridge Creek High School in Blanchard, Okla., Spangler is a 6-foot-8, 232-pound forward who averaged 2.5 points and 2.4 rebounds while logging 6.6 minutes per game for the 26-7 Bulldogs.
He boasted a team-leading 56.1 percent field goal shooting from the floor in his 22 outings and also led the squad with 0.36 rebounds per minute.
Prior to joining Gonzaga in 2011, Spangler averaged 29.2 points, 17.2 boards and 4.3 assists per game as a senior for Bridge Creek, while shooting 71.4 percent en route to earning Oklahoma Gatorade Player of the Year and Parade All-American honors.
He averaged 26.4 and 18.2 rebounds per contest as a junior, leading the state in scoring and rebounding both years.
Spangler also was a standout on his football team, tossing 71 touchdowns to just 20 interceptions, compiling a 60 percent completion rate from his sophomore to senior seasons.
“It’s always extra special to have in-state guys as part of the OU program,” Kruger said. “And although Ryan enjoyed his time at Gonzaga, we’re especially pleased that he’s returning home to be a Sooner. He’s a very natural rebounder, a tough guy on the boards and has an ability to score inside and outside. Ryan’s work ethic will allow him to make great strides during his redshirt season.”
As for Bennett, he’s a 6-foot-8, 215-pound center who averaged 9.0 points and 6.0 boards per game while shooting 69 percent from the field last year.
He guided Indian Hills to a 33-4 overall record and seventh-place finish at the National Junior College Athletic Association Tournament in Hutchinson, Kan., last month.
Bennett, originally from Sandburg High School in Orland Park, Ill., has a 7-foot-5 wingspan according to Indian Hills head coach Barret Peery.
“D.J.’s a fantastic athlete,” Peery said. “Activity is his best asset. He can really run, he can really get on the rim and can rebound and block shots with his activity, his length and his bounce. He can score around the rim and can face up and shoot that mid-range shot from the elbows [of the lane] and the short corners. And he’s a pretty clean free throw shooter.
“The second half of the season he was just fantastic, especially the last eight games or so when he averaged about 15 points and nine rebounds. He really had some good stretches.”
Kruger was equally thrilled to have Bennett as he was Spangler.
“We’re very happy D.J. has chose to be a Sooner,” Kruger said. “He brings high energy, shot-blocking ability and rebounding skills. He also has the potential to be more of a scorer in the low post than he has been.”
Spangler and Bennett’s signing finalizes a 2012 recruiting class which also includes high school signees Isaiah Cousins, Buddy Hield and Jelon Hornbeak, all guards, and forward C.J. Cole.
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