Before the Big 12 preseason poll was ever released, before practice ever started, returnees for Oklahoma sensed higher expectations.

"There's an excitement around here," forward Blake Griffin told the Norman Transcript. "We know we have something to work for and something to reach for."

Those sentiments were validated when the Big 12 poll came out listing Oklahoma as the team to beat. The Sooners were installed as the league favorite for the first time after gaining a narrow nod over Texas.

Four returning starters who represent 70 percent of OU's scoring during a 23-12 run last season key the Sooners' hopes.

Well that, plus Griffin. The 6-10 sophomore spurned early entry into the NBA and opted to return this season after playing with injuries to both knees a year ago. By staying, Griffin is touted as a preseason All-American and also listed on some boards as the top player available for the 2009 NBA Draft. Despite his knee problems, Griffin led the Sooners in scoring (14.7 ppg.), rebounding (9.1) and field-goal percentage (.568).

"He's better prepared than he was last year," said OU coach Jeff Capel. "It's to be expected because he has something to look back on. He did a great job working on his game this summer. I think he'll be even better than he was last year."

In addition, the arrival of Willie Warren also gives the Sooners the top incoming recruit in the Big 12. A coveted combo guard from Fort Worth, Texas, Warren is expected to make an immediate impact after scoring a game-high 23 points in the McDonald's All-American game.

He joins a roster that returns starting point guard Austin Johnson and shooting guard Tony Crocker off a team that returned to the NCAA Tournament and reached the second round after tying for fourth in the Big 12 with a 9-7 mark.

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