Simply 9 seasons in the past, the lads from Norman, OK, discovered themselves in Houston as one of many final 4 groups standing. Everyone knows the way it went down. Buddy Hield simply saved hitting internet from the good past. The Sooners haven’t fairly reached that euphoria once more, however issues appear to be they may be altering.
Six gamers departed by means of the portal however Coach Porter Moser matched that quantity with incoming transfers forward of this season. The ex-Loyola Chicago chief is constructing a tradition in his new colours, bringing his fiery and passionate character to the sideline.
Even with all of the contemporary faces, Sooner followers nonetheless have some acquainted hoopers to cheer for. Living proof: Milos Uzan, a 2022-23 Huge 12 All-Freshman Crew choice. “Los,” as he’s been known as, confirmed promising potential in his first yr, doing a bit little bit of every part offensively. That ending bundle, although, is particular. And his classmate Otega Oweh? He is aware of a factor or two about filling it up, too, particularly in clutch time. Simply ask Andy Enfield and USC.
Placing it bluntly, this group simply has a bunch of athletes. Like, guys who can really bounce out of the gymnasium.
“We’ve obtained loads greater athletes. Guys who can put their head on the rim. We didn’t actually have that final yr an excessive amount of,” Uzan stated in October. “[We have] extra of a paint presence, as nicely.”
Junior guard Javian McCollum is a part of that presence. A latest switch from Siena, the place he was the go-to participant for the Saints on the offensive finish, McCollum hoops like there’s no tomorrow. You may’t even inform he’s the shortest participant in Moser’s rotation. McCollum merges shiftiness and an elite deal with to show some showstopping creativity. Simply weeks into his profession as a Sooner, No. 2 took residence MVP on the Rady Youngsters’s Invitational. However he’s not the one creator on the perimeter. Rivaldo Soares is a harmful wing risk off the bench, and Le’Tre Darthard, a switch from Utah Valley, is a difference-maker with and with out the ball.
Within the frontcourt, John Hugley IV, the previous essential man at Pitt, can shake issues up on each ends. Through the 2021-22 marketing campaign, solely three gamers within the ACC averaged extra rebounds per sport than he did. The ex-Panther is only one former member of the ACC on OU. Jalon Moore, a dynamic slashing wing from Georgia Tech, owns some actual hops that make him a drive in Moser’s beginning unit.
OU has a historical past of seeing its walk-ons attain success. That development continues with this group. Simply two seasons in the past, Sam Godwin was coming off the bench for Wofford School. He obtained a walk-on provide from OU, and the remainder is historical past. Now, he’s contributing to the beginning 5 of a Huge 12 program. If you happen to want a rebound, Moser’s first name is an apparent one. Few are higher at incomes a second likelihood within the halfcourt than Godwin.
Boomer Sooner.