OU Basketball: UConn’s Dan Hurley ‘Impressed’ By Oklahoma, Says ‘You See What They’re Capable Of’

As the Oklahoma Sooners make strides in the basketball world under Porter Moser, their most recent run of success caught the attention of one of the sport’s top coaches—Dan Hurley of the UConn Huskies. Hurley, who has elevated the UConn program to national prominence and won a national championship in 2024, has become one of the most respected voices in college basketball. Following an intense matchup between the Sooners and the Huskies, Hurley spoke highly of Oklahoma, acknowledging their impressive performance and potential for the future.

Oklahoma’s journey to become a competitive force in the Big 12 under Moser has been challenging yet rewarding, and Hurley’s remarks provided validation of their progress. For a program that has experienced ups and downs over the past few seasons, facing a coach of Hurley’s caliber and receiving his praise was a significant moment in Oklahoma’s development. Hurley’s comments underscore the strides that Oklahoma has made in building a competitive program and the belief that this is only the beginning of their potential rise.

Let’s break down Hurley’s insights, what they mean for the Oklahoma program, and how they are positioning themselves for continued success in the world of college basketball.

The State of Oklahoma Basketball: A Gradual Rebuild

When Porter Moser arrived at Oklahoma in 2021, he took over a program that was looking to get back to its former glory. The Sooners had been competitive in the Big 12 but had fallen short of making consistent NCAA Tournament appearances. Under Moser’s leadership, the program has slowly and steadily begun its rebuild.

After taking Loyola-Chicago to the Final Four in 2018, Moser was known for his disciplined approach to defense and team-oriented basketball. The challenge in Oklahoma, however, was that they had to deal with a deep, competitive Big 12 conference, and Moser knew that success would take time. Early results under his leadership showed flashes of promise, but the Sooners were still trying to develop an identity on both ends of the floor.

In his first season at Oklahoma, Moser’s squad showed fight, finishing with a 19-15 record, but they fell short of making the NCAA Tournament. The following season, while improving, the team once again found themselves on the wrong side of the NCAA Tournament bubble. Despite this, Moser and his players were starting to establish a culture based on tough defense, unselfishness, and effort.

By 2023-24, the program was beginning to emerge as a true contender. The Sooners finished with a 22-11 record and made a return to the NCAA Tournament, proving they could compete at the highest levels. Players like Tanner Groves, Jalen Hill, and newcomers like Jordan Walsh had made an impact, and Moser had finally begun to build a well-rounded team that was tough to beat.

UConn vs. Oklahoma: A Growing Rivalry with a Respectful Tone

The game between Oklahoma and UConn in the early rounds of the 2024-25 season served as a pivotal moment for the Sooners. The matchup brought together a program on the rise (Oklahoma) and one that was at the pinnacle of college basketball (UConn), making it an intriguing and highly anticipated contest.

Despite the fact that UConn, led by Hurley, had a much more experienced and battle-tested roster, Oklahoma played them tough. The game went down to the wire, with the Huskies ultimately securing a hard-fought victory. Yet, the Sooners showed enough fight and skill throughout the game that Hurley couldn’t help but praise their effort.

“Honestly, I was impressed by Oklahoma,” Hurley said after the game. “You see what they’re capable of. They’re a team that plays hard, they’re well-coached, and they have some talent. You could see at times during the game that if they get a few more breaks and continue to grow, they could be a real problem for teams in the future.”

Hurley’s comments were not only a compliment to Moser’s coaching but also a recognition of the individual talent that Oklahoma has developed. Players like Tanner Groves, who had been pivotal to Oklahoma’s success, Jalen Hill, who has been a dynamic defender, and Jordan Walsh, a promising freshman, were all given recognition for their contributions.

While Oklahoma was not quite at the level of UConn in terms of experience and consistency, Hurley’s remarks made it clear that the Sooners had the tools necessary to compete with elite teams in college basketball. This kind of praise from a coach who has built one of the most successful programs in the country speaks volumes about the direction in which Moser and his team are heading.

Building a Culture of Winning

What Hurley’s comments also highlight is the shift in Oklahoma’s basketball culture. Moser, known for his defensive-minded approach, has been steadily transforming the Sooners into a team that competes on every possession. In the past, Oklahoma has often been regarded as an offense-first program, but Moser has instilled a sense of pride in defensive fundamentals, and it’s starting to pay off.

The emphasis on defense was evident in the game against UConn, as Oklahoma made it difficult for the Huskies to establish their offensive rhythm. Even though they fell short, the way the Sooners guarded the Huskies for stretches of the game showed the potential of Moser’s system. Oklahoma’s ability to pressure the ball, contest shots, and force turnovers has been one of the defining characteristics of their playstyle.

“Porter is a defensive-minded coach, and you can see that on the floor,” Hurley remarked. “They work hard on that end, and that’s a huge foundation for success. They’ve got the pieces in place now, and it’s only going to get better as they continue to develop.”

It’s clear that Oklahoma’s defense will be a cornerstone of their identity moving forward, and Hurley’s praise for that facet of their game speaks to how well the Sooners have adapted to Moser’s vision. As the program continues to recruit talented players who fit that mold, Oklahoma will only become more formidable as a defensive unit.

What’s Next for Oklahoma Basketball?

The 2024-25 season is shaping up to be a pivotal one for Oklahoma basketball. They’ve proven they can compete with the top teams in the country, but the ultimate goal remains consistent: making a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. While Moser has laid a strong foundation, the Sooners still need to put everything together and prove they can perform at a high level when it matters most.

One of the key elements that Oklahoma will need to improve on is their consistency. While they’ve shown flashes of brilliance, they haven’t yet been able to consistently play at the level of the elite programs in college basketball. The ability to stay locked in for 40 minutes and execute both offensively and defensively is something that will be critical for them moving forward.

Additionally, continuing to develop their younger talent will be crucial. Jordan Walsh and other underclassmen will need to take on bigger roles as the team progresses. The maturation of these players, combined with the leadership of upperclassmen like Tanner Groves, will be essential in taking Oklahoma to the next level.

The Big 12 remains one of the most challenging conferences in college basketball, with teams like Kansas, Baylor, and Texas continuing to be formidable opponents. However, with the way Oklahoma has progressed over the last few years, they are well-positioned to continue rising in the standings and competing for a top spot in the conference.

Moser’s commitment to building a competitive and sustainable program is paying off. With another strong recruiting class expected, and the program’s growing reputation as a defensive powerhouse, the Sooners are well on their way to becoming a fixture in the NCAA Tournament picture year after year.

The Importance of Dan Hurley’s Praise

While Oklahoma’s focus is squarely on their own growth, hearing praise from a coach like Dan Hurley is incredibly important for the program. It serves as both validation and motivation. Hurley has seen it all in college basketball and is recognized as one of the top minds in the sport. His acknowledgment of Oklahoma’s potential serves as a reminder that Moser’s efforts are starting to pay off and that the Sooners are on the right path.

Hurley’s comments also speak to the rising competitiveness in college basketball, where programs like Oklahoma are no longer overlooked or undervalued. They are emerging as serious contenders, and with a few more years of growth and development, the Sooners could be poised to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament in the near future.

As Porter Moser continues to build his program in Norman, the future of Oklahoma basketball looks bright. With strong leadership, a growing defensive identity, and a commitment to developing young talent, the Sooners are well on their way to establishing themselves as a mainstay in March Madness for years to come. And as Dan Hurley so aptly put it, “You see what they’re capable of.”