ESCAPE February 6, 2015

ESCAPE SMILE. EXPLORE. RELAX. | FEB. 6 | WEEKEND

#28DAYSOF BLACKEXCELLENCE STUDENT ORGANIZATION BRANCHES OUT TO SOCIAL MEDIA TO EDUCATE STUDENTS

BALANCING BEATS AND BASKETBALL

P.10

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• Friday, February 6, 2015

Feb. 5-8

Thursday, Feb. 5 FREE Popcorn | 11:30 AM in the First Floor Lobby, Oklahoma Memorial Union. Swing by for some FREE popcorn and pick-up our new Meacham movie schedule magnets that show all of the great movies coming to campus this semester. Presented by the Union Programming Board, there’s ALWAYS SOMETHING with UPB, upb.ou.edu.

Gasland Documentary Screening | 7 PM in Meacham Auditorium, Oklahoma Memorial Union. Join the Student Environmental Council and the Union Programming Board for a FREE screening of Gasland, a well-received documentary that follows communities across the United States affected by natural gas drilling. For more information, contact alicelbarrett@ou.edu.

Sound Lounge | 8 PM in Beaird Lounge, Oklahoma Memorial Union. Join us for good music, good poetry, and good times!

This FREE event is all about showcasing the talents and artistic expressions of musicians and poets from the local community.

Featured acts are: Joshua Jackson, Caleb Mild, and the OU Write Club. Presented by the Union Programming Board, there’s ALWAYS SOMETHING with UPB, upb.ou.edu.

Friday, Feb. 6 Wrestling vs Wyoming | 3 PM at McCasland Field House. Come watch the OU Wrestling team take on Wyoming in McCasland Field House. Free for all OU students.

Men’s Tennis vs USF | 5:30 PM at Headington Family Tennis Center. The #2 ranked OU Men’s Tennis squad e takes tak on South Florida in the first of two home matches ta this th hi weekend. Free for all attendees.

Rajun Cajun | 7 PM at Will Rogers Food Court, Ra R Oklahoma Memorial Union. We are brining the big Ok O easy ea to you! Come out for a night of FREE gumbo, red e beans and rice, beignets, and... LIVE GATORS. Yes. Live Gators. There’s ALWAYS SOMETHING with the Union Programming Board, upb.ou.edu.

CARMEN in Concert | 8 PM at Sharp Concert Hall, Catlett Music Center. The OU Opera Theater, together with the OU Symphony, OU Choruses and the Norman Children’s Choir present a concert version of this great work. Rated PG Purchase tickets online at theatre.ou.edu or at the Fine Arts Box Office (405) 325-4101.

Saturday, Feb. 7 Movie Matinee: ‘Dear White People’ | 1 PM at Meacham Auditorium, Oklahoma Memorial Union. Watch the FREE matinee screening of this satirical drama where a biracial student tries to shake up race relations at her Ivy-League college by forcing her traditionally black residence hall to diversify. Presented by the Union Programming Board, Campus Activities Council, and the Black Student Association.

Women’s Basketball vs Kansas State | 2 PM at Lloyd Noble Center. Come cheer on the Sooners as they look to continue their s. hot start to conference play. Price: Free for all students.

Sunday, Feb. 8 Men’s Tennis vs Alabama | NOON at Headington Family Tennis Center. The #2 ranked OU Men’s Tennis squad hosts the University of Alabama in their second home match of the weekend. Price: FREE for all attendees.

Wrestling vs Oklahoma State | 2 PM at McCasland Field House. ITS A BEDLAM BATTLE in Norman as the OU Wrestling team looks to hand OSU a loss in Norman for the second straight year! Price: Free for all students.

CARMEN in Concert | 3 PM at Sharp Concert Hall, Catlett Music Center. Catch the matinee performance of the University Theatre presentation. Purchase tickets online at theatre.ou.edu or at the Fine Arts Box Office (405) 325-4101.

This University in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid and educational services. For accommodations on the basis of disability, please contact the sponsoring department of any program or event.

Blayklee Buchanan Paighten Harkins Dana Branham Tony Ragle Paris Burris Dillon Hollingsworth Kaitlyn Underwood Jamison Short

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Friday, February 6, 2015 •

THINGS TO DO THIS

Editor in Chief Managing Editor Online Editor Visual Editor News Editor Sports Editor Opinion Editor Advertising Manager

WEEKEND

3

CAJUN CUISINE WHEN & WHERE: 11:30 A.M. ON FRIDAY AT THE UNION

Taste some Cajun cuisine with the UPB’s Cajun Cuisine Excitement.

CARMEN WHEN & WHERE: FRIDAY 8 P.M. & SUNDAY 3 P.M. IN CATLETT MUSIC CENTER

The Oklahoma Daily is a public forum, the University of Oklahoma’s independent student voice and an entirely student-run publication.

Letters should concentrate on issues, not personalities, and must be fewer than 250 words, typed and signed by the author(s). Letters will be edited for accuracy, space and style.

Students must list their major and classification. To submit letters, email dailyopinion@ou.edu.

Experience the University Theatre’s premiere production of the opera “Carmen.”

Our View is the voice of the Editorial Board, which consists of nine student editors. The board meets at 10:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday in Copeland Hall, Room 160. Board meetings are open to the public.

DEAR WHITE PEOPLE WHEN & WHERE: 6 P.M., 9 P.M. & MIDNIGHT ON FRIDAY & 1 P.M. ON SATURDAY AT MEACHAM AUDITORIUM

Guest columns are accepted and printed at the editor’s discretion.

Columnists’ and cartoonists’ opinions are their own and not necessarily the views or opinions of The Oklahoma Daily Editorial Board.

Watch the screening of last year’s award-winning movie “Dear White People.”

To advertise in The Oklahoma Daily, contact advertising manager Jamison Short by calling 405-325-8964 or emailing dailyads@ou.edu.

One free copy of The Daily is available to members of the OU community. Additional copies may be purchased for 25 cents by contacting The Daily business office at 405-325-2522.

contact us phone:

405-325-3666

160 Copeland Hall, 860 Van Vleet Oval Norman, OK 73019-2052

email:

dailynews@ou.edu

NOTICE OF PUBLIC ACCESS

PHOTO PROVIDED OF SERGE IBAKA

THE OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER WHEN & WHERE: 7 P.M. ON FRIDAY AT CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CENTER

ALPHA SIGMA KAPPA TEA PARTY WHEN & WHERE: 7 P.M. ON FRIDAY AT WILLOUGHBY HALL

Enjoy a tea party with the sisters of Alpha Sigma Kappa in ASK’s last rush event of the semester.

Cheer on the Oklahoma City Thunder as they face off against the New Orleans Pelicans.

During the Regular Meeting of The University of Oklahoma PUBLICATIONS BOARD 9:30 a.m. TODAY • Copeland Hall, Room 122

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• Friday, February 6, 2015

SOONER

don’t let this be

yearbook

senior portraits OKLAHOMA MEMORIAL UNION Feb. 9-13 (Bartlett Room) Feb. 23-27 (Bartlett Room) March 3-6 (Grad Gear-Up, Beaird Lounge) March 9-13 (Sooner/Bartlett rooms) March 23-27 (Presidents/Bartlett rooms) March 30-April 3 (Bartlett Room) April 13-17 (Traditions Room)

how you’re

remembered

Friday, February 6, 2015 •

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CONSISTENTLY INCONSISTENT POST SEASON POSSIBILITIES SLOWLY DISSIPATING FOR OKC THUNDER

SPENSER DAVIS | @DAVIS_SPENSER

S

hortly after the Oklahoma football team was systematically destroyed by the Clemson Tigers in the Russell Athletic Bowl, I wrote a column for The Daily about how the sky was not falling for OU football.

I’m an optimist in that way, but that’s what happens when you’re a St. Louis Cardinals fan and your worst-case scenario is losing in the NLCS every year. While that sucks, I could have it much worse as a sports fan.

With all of that said, the sky is falling on Oklahoma City’s season. The Thunder started this week at .500 after dispatching the Orlando Magic on Monday night and were a full three games back of the Phoenix Suns for the final playoff spot in the West. With only 33 games remaining, Oklahoma City can no longer afford any sort of setback.

On top of that, this isn’t a team that’s playing well. Kevin Durant is averaging just over 25 points per game, which would be his lowest output since his rookie season. He’s shooting 37.7 percent from downtown and while that’s a respectable mark, it’s down significantly from his MVP season a year ago.

After returning from an early hand injury, Russell Westbrook got off to a hot start but has been inconsistent per game and lead the league in steals per game, he’s also since. While he is on pace to set a career mark in points good for nearly four turnovers per game and his shooting percentage is down to 42 percent.

The supporting cast, led by Serge Ibaka, Steven Adams and Reggie Jackson, has been equally inconsistent and not nearly as effective as OKC’s two superstars. Dion Waiters was a nice mid-season pickup, but like seemingly everyone else on this team, is not efficient enough to be taking nearly 2.8 three pointers a game.

But if you’re like me and are in a constant state of optimism, feel free to disregard the last three paragraphs of pessimism. But even I can’t deny this: if OKC makes the post season, they’ll almost certainly be facing off against PHOTO PROVIDED OF KEVIN DURANT Golden State in the first round. While that’s a series that the

PHOTO PROVIDED OF RUSSELL WESTBROOK

Thunder can win, it’s not likely that they will, unless they pick up the pace in a hurry.

Here’s some good news: Oklahoma City closes out its season with 20 of its last 34 at home. They’re 11-2 at the ‘Peake when either Westbrook or Durant plays, and undefeated when KD suits up for the hometown team. But they’ll need those trends to continue if they hope to grab the eighth seed.

They also have two of the 10 best players in the NBA and a core that’s been there before. That’s a recipe for success in May, provided that the Thunder can find a way to get there.

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• Friday, February 6, 2015

UNHEARD UNLEASHED STUDENT ALLIANCE IS WORKING TO SPREAD AWARENESS ABOUT EXCELLENCE IN BLACK HISTORY ANDREW CLARK | @CLARKY_TWEETS During Black History month, Unheard, a group of students advocating for minority group rights on campus, will spread facts and information about black culture on social media using the hashtag, #28DaysofBlackExcellence.

Unheard parliamentarian Spencer Davis said the group started the hashtag to give a bit of black history knowledge throughout February.

“It’s just to raise more awareness,” Davis said. “Students should be more aware of facts like these.”

@OU_UNHEARD #28DAYSOF BLACKEXCELLENCE EVERYDAY TWEET US YOUR BLACK HISTORY FACTS! @CHELSEA_ALYSSA

The Black Student Association started a Wordpress blog to promote African American life and culture. One post from the blog, by user ‘K.Cash,’ is titled “What It Means To Be BLACK!” and said that the definition varies from person to person.

“Everybody’s Black means something different,” the post reads. “I can’t tell you what it means to be Black, in fact, nobody can! I can only tell you what it means to be me!”

Davis added to this subject, citing what he thinks it means to be black and what his black means.

“People are people, and we all want to be happy and be successful,” Davis said.

PIONEER OF THE NAACP. #28DAYSOF BLACKEXCELLENCE W.E.B DUBOIS ONE OF THE FIRST BLACK GRADUATES FROM HARVARD UNIV.

Unheard is not putting on any events at this time in celebration of Black History Month, but Unheard executive Chelsea Davis said in a text message that the organization will attend and fully support the events hosted by the OU Black Student Association. Black Student Association is hosting events throughout February, and information about them can be found at oubhm.wordpress.com/events/.

“I really do love my university — I truly love OU. But my love for OU goes to a point where I see that we could be better in certain areas. And that’s how much I love my university,” Davis said.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROSA PARKS! #28DAYSOF BLACKEXCELLENCE @OU_UNHEARD

BEN CARSON WAS THE FIRST SURGEON TO SEPARATE TWINS CONJOINED AT THE HEAD. #28DAYSOF BLACKEXCELLENCE @OU_UNHEARD

@BRAY_BRAYYY

ON THE COVER:

Chemical engineering junior Spencer Davis represents OU Unheard as the organization’s parliamentarian the OU Daily Wednesday afternoon for photos and an interview.

TONY RAGLE/THE DAILY

SOONER SAMPLER:

HOW ARE YOU CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH?

“I HAVE NO PLANS FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH.” PAIGE WHEATON, PLANT BIOLOGY SENIOR

“I JUST LEARNED ABOUT IT YESTERDAY THAT THIS WAS BLACK HISTORY MONTH.” JORDAN VO, MICROBIOLOGY FRESHMAN

“I’M IN DR. HENDERSON’S HISTORY OF RACE CLASS, SO I’M JUST TRYING TO IMMERSE MYSELF IN UNDERSTANDING. I’M JUST TRYING TO LIVE IN THE SPIRIT THAT DR. KING WANTED TO FACILITATE.” JOHANNAH WALKER, PSYCHOLOGY SENIOR

“I WENT TO THE BLACK HISTORY PARADE (IN MUSKOGEE).”

MORGAN WALKER, HEALTH AND EXERCISE SCIENCE JUNIOR

CELEBRATE WITH BSA EVENTS SPAN FEBRUARY IN HONOR OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH ALI STRATTON | STAFF REPORTER The OU Black Student Association will combine Mardi Gras, film and art events this Black History Month.

The film “Dear White People” will screen at 6 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 6, in Meacham Auditorium of Oklahoma Memorial Union, said Isaac Hill, BSA president.

Later events include a community outreach project, an “Art in Motion” event, a Mardi Gras dinner and an “A Walk Through Time” event.

The events are all free and open to the public.

While celebratory and fun, the events also allow students to gain better understanding of black history, Hill said.

“It’s important for [the BSA] to take a month to inform people about the civil rights movement, the things preceding the civil rights movement and the things we continue to do to move forward as a people today,” Hill said.

Hill hopes this month will make all students feel welcomed to the black community and encouraged to attend future BSA events.

The BSA has undergone

“WE USED TO HAVE JUST ONE DINNER AT THE END OF THE MONTH,” HE SAID. “BUT IT’S ALWAYS BEEN NICE, LIKE A FAMILY COMING TOGETHER.”

ISAAC HILL, OU BLACK STUDENT ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT

a significant reconstruction period that has made a production like this possible, Hill said.

The group at one time had a single executive committee of about nine or 10 people who held all responsibility for the organization, Hill said. Now, there are various committees and smaller organizations within the BSA. However big of a production, Black History Month has always been special to BSA, Hill said.

“We used to have just one dinner at the end of the month,” Hill said. “But it’s always been nice, like a family coming together.”

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• Friday, February 6, 2015

OU ADVOCATES

On-call sexual assault response team, available 24/7 405.615.0013

You don’t have to be your own

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Be aware and report.

Behavior intervention keeps our community healthy and safe.

Say it inwith the paper

Lovelines

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OU SAFERIDE

Free transportation 10 p.m.-3 a.m.

Thursday-Saturday saferide.ou.edu

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WIN! Tour The Reserve in February and you'll be entered to win an OU YETI Cooler!

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as part of we love our readers week, everyone who submits a loveline is automatically registered to win a

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730 Stinson Street | Norman, OK 73072 | 405.310.6000

Friday, February 6, 2015 •

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HONORING LANGSTON HUGHES FAMOUS POET COMMEMORATED IN LIGHT OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH

JESSE POUND | @JESSERPOUND Three OU professors will recite poetry onstage to honor influential AfricanAmerican poet Langston Hughes in commemoration of Black History Month. “An Evening of Langston Hughes Poetr y S et to Song� will be held at 8 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 16, in the Pitman Recital Hall of Catlett Music Center, said English professor Honoree Jeffers.

Jeffers will perform at the event along with professors Donna Mitchell-Cox and Lorne Richstone, Jeffers said.

Mitchell-Cox will sing and Richstone will accompany her on the piano. The performances will include renditions of Hughes’ poetry.

Jeffers is a blues poet, a style often associated with Hughes, she said. Jeffers

described Hughes as the poet laureate of the African American community.

Though Hughes is associated with the African American community, the musical component of the presentation will consist of a wider range of art forms, including music from European composers, Jeffers said. “I do think that people are going to be pleasantly surprised,� Jeffers said.

Pre-sale tickets cost $9 for the general public and $5 for OU students, faculty and staff, and senior citizens, according to promotional material given to The Daily by the OU School of Music.

Tickets will cost $10 at the door.

Previous Solution

Monday- Very Easy Tuesday-Easy Wednesday- Easy Thursday- Medium Friday - Hard

Instructions: Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9. That means that no number is repeated in any row, column or box.

HOROSCOPE

By Eugenia Last

Copyright 2015, Newspaper Enterprise Assn.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015 Stay in control. If you delay or falter, you will miss out on a golden opportunity. Have faith in your convictions and keep the momentum going. Positive advancements are possible if you remain focused and poised to take advantage of whatever comes your way.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- You will be center stage today. Your intelligence will dazzle everyone, and your energy and quick wit will win approval. Let your animated spirit lead to positive attention from a new admirer.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- A peaceful, relaxing day will help to reduce the stress you have been feeling.

This is not a day for decision-making.

Pampering yourself will help free your mind of conflict and worry.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- DonĘźt be reluctant to ask for help. You canĘźt do everything yourself, and your health will be jeopardized if you try. As much as you want to help others, you must draw a line.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- Do whatĘźs necessary to protect your position. Someone you considered an ally will turn out to be after your job or another asset. Attention to detail and the ability to multitask will keep you on top.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Stay in shape. Physical and mental challenges will stimulate your intellect and energy. Too much idle time will make you feel sluggish and lethargic.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- Your emotions could be quite ragged

today. Heated arguments are likely if you are quick to take offense to innocent remarks. Think before you speak.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- A joint venture will be a good platform to help you expand on your ideas. An alliance with a trusted individual will bring the financial stability that you have been trying to establish.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- If you are dissatisfied with your current situation, make a change. Waiting for someone else to step up is unrealistic and counter- productive. You know what your strengths are, so take action.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- Neglecting your responsibilities will turn out to be quite costly. Do your share without complaining. Your reputation will suffer if you donĘźt keep your promises.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- There will be some necessary adjustments required in order for you to get back on track. Your progress will slow if you are distracted by what others are doing.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- A casual conversation will lead to a promising partnership. Be clear about your expectations and limitations. Exaggerating now will backfire, leaving you in an awkward position when you canĘźt deliver.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- You can get your desired results with diplomacy and tact. Heavy-handed tactics or ultimatums will generate discord and disruption. Cooperation will be key in forming a beneficial partnership.

Universal Crossword Edited by Timothy E. Parker February 6, 2015

ACROSS 1 Baylor University’s locale 5 Smugly superior type 9 Samantha of the silver screen 14 Musical miscellany 15 Skedaddled 16 Carried, as by the wind 17 Parent of 39-Across 19 Sandy shade 20 Busy bug 21 Number on a grandfather clock 22 Fuddyduddies 24 Scottish clans 26 Regret 27 Philosopher Jean-Paul 30 Lack of slack 35 Brainless sort 36 Husky food?

37 Splashy party 38 Not “for here�

39 Offspring of 17-Across 40 Degree candidate’s exam 41 Nutmeg cover 42 Considered individually 43 Terra- ___ (potting material) 2/6

44 Raccoonlike carnivore, surprisingly 46 Adorned with a cummerbund 47 Personal connections 48 British quart 50 Melancholy poems 54 “All the Things You ___�

55 Heavy drinker 58 Type of tape 59 Incumbents on their way out 62 Words before a high note?

63 Priestly garb 64 Introduction to psychology?

65 High times 66 Untidy state 67 Part of a galaxy DOWN 1 Infant’s former home 2 Burnsoothing plant 3 Use as an example 4 “___ la la!�

5 American flag feature 6 “Good field, ___�

7 Metal, pre-smelting 8 Kingsley and Stiller

9 Flow back from the shore 10 Awesome provider 11 Diluted rum 12 Diarist Frank 13 Some Major Leaguers 18 Rival of Navratilova, once 23 Place to put bags 24 Police informer 25 Impassive (Var.) 27 Eastern lute 28 Be crazy about 29 Unbending 31 Foot span 32 Terra firma 33 Patio flooring, sometimes 34 Caesar or chef

36 Nigeria neighbor 39 Burn a perfume stick 43 Had a conscience 45 Charged particles 46 Strain 49 Poetic feet 50 Caught up 51 Prefix with “type�

52 Edible corm 53 Harshly criticize 55 “Shoo!�

56 Stew vegetable 57 Prerevolutionary ruler (Var.) 60 Andy Capp’s brew 61 Bullish times

PREVIOUS PUZZLEANSWER ANSWER PREVIOUS PUZZLE

2/5

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Š 2015 Universal Uclick www.upuzzles.com Š 2015 Universal Uclick www.upuzzles.com

PECK AND CHOOSE By Mary Jersey

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• Friday, February 6, 2015

BRINGING BEATS TO THE COURT OU BASKETBALL PLAYER SHOWS MUSICAL TALENT IN INTRO VIDEO TRENT CRABTREE | @TRENTCRABTREE

JJ/THE DAILY

D.J. Bennett writes lyrics to and upcoming song.

As heart-pounding beats blare from the Lloyd Noble Center jumbotron before an Oklahoma men’s basketball game, D.J. Bennett stands tall as he hears his voice fire up the crowd.

To OU’s senior forward, the Sooners’ introduction video is more than just loud noise — it’s his creation. Bennett, the aspiring rapper from Chicago, Illinois, not only narrated the video but also wrote the lyrics. Shortly before the season began, producers from SoonerVision — the in-house video production arm of OU athletics — approached Bennett and asked if he was interested in helping make the video.

Bennett didn’t even hesitate. The collaboration was a vision of his even before SoonerVision came knocking.

“I was excited about it. It’s something that we talked about and joked about doing for a good amount of time, but when they presented me the offer, I was pretty excited about it,” Bennett said.

It wasn’t exactly a grueling process for Bennett, who only spent a couple of days writing the lyrics.

According to walk-on senior guard James Fraschilla, one of JACQUELINE EBY/THE DAILY Bennett’s best friends on the team, they weren’t able to hear Senior forward D.J. Bennett attempts to dunk the ball during the game the end result right away. against Texas Tech on Jan. 28 at Lloyd Noble Center.

“He went into SoonerVision, they recorded it and we didn’t get a chance to see it until the first game, so we had no preview The passion just grew from there. of it,” Fraschilla said.

“As I got older, I really kind of saw it as a hobby, but I got The video’s tone reflects the heavy pre-game energy lead- more serious about it. Now, it’s really something I want to ing up to tip-off. It complements the season mantra of “Take pursue,” Bennett said.

Notice” perfectly because it challenges the viewer to believe With as much passion as the Sooners’ grueling 30-plusin OU basketball. game schedule requires, finding the inspiration for creativity “Mainly, they wanted me to write something to hype in the studio can be difficult. For Bennett, though, music is our guys up, something that would appeal to the crowd. where the balance is found.

Something that reflected the history of OU,” Bennett said.

“Music is my way of getting away from it all. When I’m “It’s that time of year,” Bennett’s voice bestressed about basketball or stressed about gins as the team enters a caged, outdoor court “I’VE REALLY BEEN DOING life, music is my way to clear my mind,” in sweat-stained T-shirts and shorts. “ … That Bennett said. “I don’t even see it as a job, realIT AS LONG AS I CAN all the fans in the stand going to stand … ” ly. It’s just what makes me happy.”

The moment where the video really gets REMEMBER. MY LOVE OF On the basketball court, Bennett doesn’t MUSIC REALLY STARTED a rise out of the OU faithful, though, is when see as much playing time as he used to. it brings to light the history of Sooner hoops.

With the recent additions of senior transWITH MY MOM. SHE Bennett’s words suggest that OU isn’t just WAS REALLY VERSATILE IN fer TaShawn Thomas and blue-chip freshstarting to bust onto the scene; it’s always MUSIC, SHE WAS ALWAYS man Khadeem Lattin to the OU frontcourt, been there.

Bennett has been moved deeper into coach “We were on the map before we had the LISTENING TO MUSIC NO Lon Kruger’s bench. number one pick,” the confident voice con- MATTER WHAT SHE WAS In spite of the recent lack of minutes, DOING.” tinues as highlights of OU legends Blake Bennett, along with those close to him, recogGriffin and Wayman Tisdale flash on the nize that he is entering a stage in his life that screen. “Been doing this since the golden transcends basketball. days, but nowadays how we play, you better Fraschilla, who also helps Bennett proD.J. BENNETT, catch the replay. No matter who opposes, duce as well as promote his music through SENIOR FORWARD they are going to know to take notice … ” his website — officialDJB.com — feels like As these lines would indicate, Bennett’s everything is coming full circle.

Chicago-style swagger comes out in virtually every aspect of “In the past year or two since D.J. has been taking it serithe video. Expressing this swagger through music, however, is ously, I think his rap persona and his basketball persona were nothing new to the 6-foot-8 Bennett. kind of separate. I think this intro video is the first thing that His mother, Kimberly Bennett, made music a part of the brought the two together,” Fraschilla said. family’s everyday life.

It’s hard to quantify how much a veteran presence like “I’ve really been doing it as long as I can remember. My love Bennett helps a young squad like OU. Who’s to say that the of music really started with my mom. She was really versatile Sooners wouldn’t have been able to make it to the NCAA in music, she was always listening to music no matter what tournament last season or sweep Bedlam for the last two she was doing,” Bennett said. years if Bennett wasn’t around the locker room?

When Bennett was much younger, long before he had aspiIt’s also just as difficult to predict where music or basketball rations of being a star basketball player, he remembers shar- will take him, but Bennett likes where he is at just fine. ing his love of music with his brother, who also likes rap. In “I definitely feel like stuff is starting to fall into place,” their free time, they would freestyle rap against each other.

Bennett said.

Friday, February 6, 2015 •

WE

OUR READERS WEEK Coming Feb. 9-13

New prizes every day!

• Dining Certificates • Warren Theatre gift certificates • Papa John’s pizzas • Dr. Dre Beats Headphones • 125 of the 125th anniversary Sooner Card featuring tap-and-pay technology • A RESERVED parking spot in the stadium garage for the rest of the spring semester • and more!

Here’s how to enter: Each day, grab a copy of The Oklahoma Daily and find the entry form printed inside.

Take the original newspaper entry form (no photocopies or reproductions allowed) to one of our convenient campus locations and drop it into the box. Entries must be turned in before 4:30 p.m.

Winners will be randomly selected and notified via email and in the next day’s Oklahoma Daily.

All entries for the week will be saved, and the grand prize winner of the parking spot will be chosen from the entire collection of entries. The more times you enter, the more chances you have to win!

LOCATIONS: Student Media (Copeland Hall) | OU Housing Office | Couch Restaurants | The Bookmark | Sooner Card Office in OMU OU Student Media employees are not eligible to enter.

Student Media is a department within OU’s division of Student Affairs. The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution.

11

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• Friday, February 6, 2015

OU Student, TEDxOU 2015 speaker and slam poet

Victoria Bautista will kick off the event!

A REASON TO

A conversation with Kevin Hines, who attempted suicide at 19, and Kevin Briggs, the “Guardian of the Golden Gate Bridge.”

SURVIVAL, COMPASSION, AND THE MIRACLE OF LIFE.

McCASLAND FIELD HOUSE TUESDAY, FEB. 10 7-8:30 PM

LIVE

SPONSORED BY

OU

force

The University of Oklahoma is an Equal Opportunity Institution. For accommodations on the basis of disability, please call (405) 325-3161.