Under Porter Moser, the Oklahoma Sooners make their first appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

The Oklahoma Sooners men’s basketball team has had a storied history in NCAA basketball, with multiple appearances in the NCAA Tournament and several deep runs throughout the years. However, after a few seasons of underperformance, the program seemed to be in a rebuilding phase. Enter Porter Moser, who took over as head coach for the Sooners in 2021. In just a short time, Moser has managed to revive the program, leading them to their first NCAA Tournament appearance under his leadership. This remarkable achievement is not just a testament to Moser’s coaching ability but also to the culture he has cultivated within the program and the players who have embraced his vision for success.

In this article, we’ll explore the journey of Porter Moser’s tenure at Oklahoma, how he was able to rebuild the Sooners’ basketball program, and the key players and moments that contributed to their NCAA Tournament appearance. From Moser’s previous success at Loyola-Chicago to his strategic changes at Oklahoma, this journey marks a new chapter in the Sooners’ basketball legacy.

Porter Moser’s Path to Oklahoma

Porter Moser is a seasoned coach with a long history of success at multiple levels of college basketball. Before coming to Oklahoma, Moser had established himself as one of the top rising coaches in the country during his tenure at Loyola-Chicago. While at Loyola, Moser helped build the Ramblers into a powerhouse, guiding them to an unforgettable run to the Final Four in 2018. That success earned Moser national recognition and quickly made him one of the most sought-after coaching talents in the NCAA.

When the Oklahoma Sooners began searching for a new head coach in 2021 after parting ways with Lon Kruger, Moser was a natural fit. Despite the challenges of taking over a program in need of a rebuild, Moser was confident in his ability to turn the program around. His reputation for building a solid defense, focusing on discipline, and developing players’ skills made him an ideal candidate for a team looking to return to its winning ways.

Moser was determined to create a culture of hard work, togetherness, and tenacity at Oklahoma. One of his primary goals was to develop a team that would not only be competitive in the Big 12 but also become a perennial contender in March Madness. His previous experience at Loyola-Chicago was built on the foundations of defensive excellence, team-oriented play, and finding ways to maximize the talent at his disposal — qualities he hoped to bring to Oklahoma.

Year One: Building the Foundation

When Porter Moser took over the program at Oklahoma, the team was coming off a mixed bag of seasons under Lon Kruger. Although the Sooners had made multiple NCAA Tournament appearances under Kruger, they had also faced some setbacks. The Sooners had shown flashes of brilliance but struggled to be consistently competitive within the tough Big 12 Conference, one of the most challenging in college basketball.

Moser’s first year was marked by significant changes, not only in playing style but also in culture. His defensive-oriented philosophy immediately became evident, as the Sooners played with a sense of urgency and discipline on the defensive end of the floor. Moser prioritized toughness and grit, making sure his team was mentally and physically prepared for the intense competition in the Big 12.

The 2021-2022 season was a learning year for Moser and the Sooners. They faced tough opponents in the Big 12 and had some rough patches along the way, but they also had a number of impressive performances. The team’s progress in Moser’s first season was a positive sign, even if they did not make the NCAA Tournament that year.

Despite missing out on the tournament, Moser’s impact was felt. His ability to instill a defensive-first mentality, while still allowing his players to showcase their offensive talents, made the team harder to beat. The Sooners had a strong foundation to build on, and expectations were set high for the following season.

Year Two: Turning the Corner

The 2022-2023 season marked a turning point for Moser and the Sooners. With a year of experience under their belts in Moser’s system, the team was ready to take the next step. This was the year where the pieces truly started to come together, and the Sooners began to show that they could compete at a high level in the Big 12 Conference.

Moser’s defensive system began to pay dividends. The Sooners became one of the most formidable defensive teams in the country. Their ability to shut down opposing offenses, disrupt passing lanes, and dominate the paint was a direct result of Moser’s coaching philosophy. But defense was not the only aspect of their success. The Sooners’ offense had become more fluid and dynamic, with a balanced attack that allowed for multiple players to step up when needed.

One of the keys to Oklahoma’s success that season was the emergence of key players who flourished in Moser’s system. Players like Tanner Groves, a veteran forward who transferred from Eastern Washington, and Umoja Gibson, a sharpshooter who transferred from DePaul, had breakout years and became key contributors. Groves provided the team with a versatile offensive game, capable of stretching the floor and scoring in the post, while Gibson’s ability to knock down outside shots was essential for opening up the offense.

The key to Oklahoma’s NCAA Tournament push was their ability to win big games in the Big 12, one of the most competitive conferences in college basketball. Moser’s squad showed resilience and poise, taking down ranked opponents and consistently competing against the best teams in the country. Their success was also bolstered by strong performances in the Big 12 Tournament, which helped secure their spot in the NCAA Tournament.

With a solid record, a mix of experienced players and talented newcomers, and a defense that could stifle almost any offense, the Sooners were able to clinch an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. For Moser, this was a dream come true — not only for himself as a coach but for the entire program, which had not seen this level of success in recent years.

The NCAA Tournament: A New Chapter for the Sooners

The moment that Oklahoma fans had been waiting for finally arrived: the Sooners were back in the NCAA Tournament, marking their first appearance since 2019 and the first under Porter Moser. For the players, this was the culmination of two years of hard work and perseverance under Moser’s leadership.

The Sooners entered the tournament with a mix of excitement and nerves, knowing that the road ahead would be challenging. But Moser’s leadership and defensive philosophy gave the team confidence, and they were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. They were not just hoping to make a deep run — they were aiming to prove that Oklahoma basketball was back and that they were capable of competing with the best of the best.

Their first matchup was against a tough mid-major opponent, but Moser’s defensive scheme helped them take control of the game early. Oklahoma’s ability to disrupt the opposing team’s offense with their stifling defense and to execute efficiently on offense helped them secure a comfortable victory. This win allowed the Sooners to move on to the next round, where the competition would only get tougher.

As the tournament progressed, Oklahoma’s defense continued to shine. They were able to lock down some of the best players in the country and showed resilience in close games. Each victory solidified the Sooners’ place among the tournament’s elite, and they began to gain momentum as they advanced deeper into the tournament.

While they eventually faced a higher-seeded team in the later rounds, the fact that Oklahoma had made it that far was a massive achievement in itself. For Porter Moser, it was a testament to his coaching ability and the culture of excellence he had instilled in his players. His success at Loyola-Chicago was not a fluke — it was proof of his ability to build competitive programs, and now he had done it at Oklahoma.

The Impact of Moser’s Coaching Philosophy

Porter Moser’s impact on the Oklahoma basketball program cannot be overstated. His emphasis on defensive principles, team-oriented play, and accountability has revitalized the Sooners. The program’s first NCAA Tournament appearance under Moser’s leadership is not just a sign of progress but a clear indication of where the program is headed.

Moser’s ability to build a winning culture at Oklahoma is exactly what the program needed. His focus on developing players, both on and off the court, has created an environment where talent can flourish, and success becomes the expectation. The Sooners’ return to the NCAA Tournament is only the beginning of what could be a new era of sustained success.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Oklahoma Basketball

As Porter Moser and the Sooners look ahead to the future, the foundation for continued success is solid. The program has established itself as a force in the Big 12, and with Moser at the helm, Oklahoma has the potential to compete for conference championships and NCAA Tournament bids for years to come. With a talented group of players and a coaching staff that knows how to win, the Sooners are poised to be a perennial contender in March Madness.

The 2023 NCAA Tournament appearance marked a significant milestone in Porter Moser’s career and in the history of Oklahoma basketball. But for Moser and his players, this is just the beginning. With a renewed sense of purpose, the Sooners are ready to continue their climb to the top of college basketball.