Gonzalez Likes Tulsa

<a href=www.tulsasportsweb.com>URL By: Chris Harmon 04.01.2003

Oswaldo Gonzalez, a 6-9 and 240 pound center from Jacksonville College in Texas, made the trek to the University of Tulsa for a visit last weekend. Gonzalez averaged 10 points and 6 rebounds as a sophomore, while continually drawing double-teams. Jacksonville head coach Brandon Curran says Gonzalez is very high on the Hurricane, who have extended a scholarship offer.

“He really liked Tulsa and is considering them heavily,” Curran explained. “He was scheduled to take five visits, but now, he may only take one or two more.” New Mexico State, College of Charleston, Nebraska and South Alabama are the other schools on Gonzalez’s list.

Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, Gonzalez came to Jacksonville as a thin, unknown player. “He came here at 215 pounds and put on weight in the weight room,” Curran described. “He has a tremendous work ethic and has worked very hard to develop his offensive game. He is a good defender and he is athletic.”

Gonzalez is also an unselfish player that played on a guard-oriented team, averaging just seven shots per contest. “The guards dominated the ball and shot it really well,” Curran said. “(Gonzalez) drew a lot of double-teams, and he kicked it out a lot. When you are 6-foot-9 and 240 (pounds) in this league, you draw a lot of attention. But he can jump hook right at the basket when he gets someone sealed.”

Coach Curran explained that Gonzalez plays with intensity and is very vocal on and off the court. “He’s one of the most vocal guys on the team. He calls screens, he’s waving towels on the bench, and he gets excited sometimes when he blocks shots.”

Tulsa has been hitting the junior college scene very hard, looking for an inside presence to sure up their front line. TU can offer immediate playing time and a likely starting position, as they lose their top three front court players. Gonzalez’s size and ability would be a quality pick-up for the Golden Hurricane.