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Published Jan 26, 2020
Cortes commits to Sooners
Bob Przybylo  •  OUInsider
Staff Writer
Twitter
@BPrzybylo

Oklahoma basketball is still filling out its 2020 class, but the Sooners are officially on the board when it comes to 2021.

Kingfisher (Okla.) High guard Bijan Cortes becomes the initial member, committing to OU on Sunday afternoon via social media.

Cortes, ranked No. 150 in the Rivals 150 for the 2021 class, has been a frequent visitor to Norman since getting offered by OU last April. Included in that was a trip to Kingfisher last week by head coach Lon Kruger, and Cortes returning to Lloyd Noble Center to see OU’s win vs. TCU last Saturday.

Since arriving in high school, Cortes has been one of the best players in the state. After helping lead the Yellowjackets to a state championship last year, he has been as good as advertised so far through his junior season.

Cortes is averaging 21 points per game, 5.8 assists, 4.9 rebounds and 2.4 steals for an undefeated Kingfisher club. Kingfisher is 72-2 with Cortes for his career, including a current 38-game winning streak.

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He made a name for himself a bit last year with some highlight-worthy dunks, but Cortes’ shooting is really setting him apart right now. He’s shooting 62 percent from the field, including nearly 57 percent from 3-point territory.

Cortes gave a hint-hint Thursday morning. OU fans know the eye emoji very well with football coach Lincoln Riley and commitments. This time around, it was for basketball.

Cortes has been a key piece to Team Griffin as well, an all-star team that is starting to see its top prospects make their choices.

Earlier this week, it was 2021 Ada (Okla.) High prospect Jaxon Robinson committing to Texas A&M. Now Cortes has picked the Sooners.

OU is still in the running for 2021 Oklahoma City Heritage Hall four-star guard Trey Alexander from the standout Team Griffin club.

The Sooners will now have help in that cause with Cortes entering the fold.