Oklahoma Sooners’ Porter Moser doesn’t hold back regarding his current situation with the program.

In the competitive world of college basketball, every coach is under intense scrutiny. No matter how successful or promising a program may be, there are always questions about the future, the direction of the team, and the long-term goals of the program. For Porter Moser, head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners, these questions are particularly pertinent as he finds himself at a pivotal moment in his tenure at Oklahoma.

After arriving in Norman in 2021, Moser inherited a team with a rich basketball history but a program that was in need of revitalization. Known for his success at Loyola-Chicago, where he took the Ramblers to a Final Four and consistently made them a force in the Missouri Valley Conference, Moser was brought in to return Oklahoma to its rightful place among the elite programs in the Big 12 and in the national conversation. However, the road has not been smooth. While Moser has shown promise, there are lingering questions about whether his vision and strategy can deliver the long-term success that Oklahoma basketball is striving for.

In an interview that caught the attention of the college basketball world, Porter Moser didn’t hold back regarding his current situation with the program. Speaking candidly about his experiences so far, the challenges he faces, and the obstacles in the way of turning Oklahoma into a perennial contender, Moser laid bare the realities of his role at Oklahoma. His reflections offered a raw look at the inner workings of the program and the challenges he must overcome.

The Challenges of Transitioning to Oklahoma

Moser’s transition from Loyola-Chicago to Oklahoma has not been as easy as many had hoped. At Loyola, Moser had built a small-school powerhouse, leading the team to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, including an unforgettable run to the Final Four in 2018. That success made him a hot commodity in the coaching world, and when Oklahoma came calling, it seemed like the perfect fit. However, as Moser quickly discovered, the expectations at a Power 5 school like Oklahoma are much different than those at Loyola.

The Sooners have a storied history in basketball, with NCAA Tournament appearances and some notable runs throughout the years. However, in recent years, the program had struggled to regain its previous level of prominence. Lon Kruger, Moser’s predecessor, had done well to keep the program competitive but failed to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament in the latter years of his tenure. Moser was tasked with taking the program to the next level and building a team that could contend with the likes of Kansas, Baylor, and Texas in the brutal Big 12 Conference.

Speaking about the transition, Moser acknowledged the challenge. “When I came here, I knew it was going to be different,” Moser said. “It’s a whole new environment, a bigger stage, and expectations are much higher. But that’s also what makes this job so appealing. It’s a place where you can win big, and that’s what I want to do here.”

Despite these high expectations, Moser has faced some growing pains in his first few seasons at Oklahoma. His recruiting strategy, which had been highly successful at Loyola, hasn’t yet translated into immediate success at the Power 5 level. Oklahoma is a different animal—players have different expectations, the talent pool is deeper, and there is much more competition for high-level recruits. Moser admitted that the recruitment process has been more difficult than anticipated, particularly in the Big 12, one of the most competitive conferences in college basketball.

“Recruiting at this level is a different ballgame,” Moser reflected. “You’re competing against programs that have been established for years, and they’re offering a level of exposure and resources that are hard to match. But we’ve got to find the right players who fit our system and our culture, and that’s what we’re building toward.”

The Importance of Developing a Strong Identity

One of Moser’s biggest challenges is creating a clear identity for his program. At Loyola, Moser had a well-defined system: tough defense, team-oriented basketball, and a balanced offensive attack. His style of play was the backbone of Loyola’s success, and it helped elevate the Ramblers to national prominence, culminating in their 2018 Final Four run. At Oklahoma, Moser has attempted to implement a similar approach, but there have been hurdles in establishing that same defensive mindset and cohesiveness.

“Building an identity takes time,” Moser explained. “You can’t just snap your fingers and have it happen. It’s a process of developing the right players, creating a culture of accountability, and getting guys to buy into what you’re trying to build. I’m confident that we’re headed in the right direction, but it’s not something that happens overnight.”

Oklahoma basketball has always been known for its up-tempo style of play and explosive offensive talent, but Moser is committed to blending that tradition with his defensive-first philosophy. In his first few years, he has focused on establishing a more structured defensive system, emphasizing team defense, closing out on shooters, and forcing turnovers. While this has led to some defensive improvements, it has also led to inconsistency on offense, as the team has struggled to find a rhythm on that side of the floor.

“One of the things we’re trying to do here is build a team that can compete on both ends of the floor,” Moser said. “It’s not just about scoring; it’s about making stops when it counts. We’ve made progress in that area, but we need to continue to improve. I believe in the system, and I know it’s going to work. It just takes time.”

This commitment to developing a strong defensive identity is essential for Moser’s long-term vision at Oklahoma. While the Sooners may not be an offensive juggernaut right now, Moser is confident that his system will eventually lead to sustained success. His past success at Loyola is a testament to his ability to build programs that thrive on strong defense, and he’s determined to implement that same philosophy at Oklahoma.

Overcoming Setbacks and Building Toward the Future

One of the most important themes Moser touched on was the need to overcome setbacks. The transition from Loyola to Oklahoma has been filled with challenges, and Moser is the first to admit that the program hasn’t yet reached the level of success that he expected when he took over. However, he’s determined not to let these setbacks define his tenure at Oklahoma. Instead, he views them as opportunities to learn and grow, both for himself and for his team.

“I’m not naive,” Moser said. “I know this program hasn’t had the success that we’re aiming for yet. But that doesn’t mean we’re not heading in the right direction. There are going to be bumps along the way, but I believe in the work we’re doing. I believe in the players we have, and I believe in what we’re building.”

Moser also emphasized the importance of building a strong foundation for the future. His first two years at Oklahoma have been a process of establishing the right culture and setting the tone for what is to come. While there have been some struggles, Moser has remained focused on the long-term vision for the program. This includes improving the recruiting pipeline, developing the players he has, and continuing to instill a culture of accountability and hard work.

“We’re not there yet, but I’m confident that we will get there,” Moser said. “The future is bright for Oklahoma basketball. We’re putting the pieces together, and we’re getting closer to being the team we want to be.”

The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Porter Moser and Oklahoma?

Looking ahead, Porter Moser knows that his time at Oklahoma will be judged on the results he produces. The Sooners’ fanbase is passionate, and expectations for success are high. While Moser is realistic about the challenges he faces, he’s also confident in his ability to turn the program around. His commitment to building a strong, sustainable program is clear, and he’s determined to take Oklahoma to new heights.

In the near future, the Sooners will need to show significant improvement in order to remain competitive in the Big 12 and nationally. Moser will need to continue to refine his coaching staff, implement his defensive philosophy, and continue to develop the players already in the program. Success on the recruiting trail will be essential to his long-term success, as bringing in the right talent will help elevate the program to the next level.

Moser’s candid comments regarding his current situation show a level of introspection and self-awareness that is rare in college basketball. While he has faced challenges, he has also shown a willingness to embrace those challenges and learn from them. His focus is not just on the present but on building a sustainable program that will contend for championships in the years to come.

In the end, the future of Oklahoma basketball under Porter Moser is uncertain, but the foundation is being laid for something special. While the Sooners may not be at the pinnacle just yet, Moser’s vision for the program offers hope for what’s to come. His dedication, strategic thinking, and relentless pursuit of success could ultimately transform Oklahoma into a national powerhouse once again.

Time will tell, but one thing is for sure: Porter Moser is not giving up on the Oklahoma Sooners, and he’s fully committed to bringing the program back to prominence.