Oklahoma Basketball Preview 2021

PreviewsNCAAMBig 12 BasketballOklahoma Sooners

Oct 31

Our Oklahoma basketball preview 2021 - 22 notes that this team has played in the last three NCAA Tournaments. However, the deepest they’ve gone is the Round of 32. Last season, the Oklahoma Sooners (21-9 Overall, 11-7 Big 12) finished seventh in the conference on their way to the Big Dance. This year, we find that the Sooners may not be NCAA bound. The fact is this team underwent a major change at the end of last season, as head coach Lon Kruger announced his retirement. Porter Moser (0-0 Oklahoma/0 years, 293-242 Overall/17 years) took over in April. When he arrived, the Sooners had four players on the roster. In essence, Moser was starting from scratch. However, he made it happen, putting together a solid roster and a team that should be competitive.

Sooners Frontcourt

Transfer Tanner Groves (Eastern Washington) is a big-bodied forward/center who can mix it up and score inside. Last year, he averaged 17.2 PPG and 8.0 RPG. In the NCAA Tournament, Groves scored 35 points versus Kansas. Our Oklahoma basketball preview 2021 - 22 notes that he’ll be a force around the rim. Brother Jacob Groves (Eastern Washington), a fine inside shooter, joins him. Navarro College transfer Akol Mawein is a pesky scorer and rebounder. Last year, he averaged 12.5 PPG and 5.2 RPG. Additionally, various players who came off the bench last season for the Sooners and two transfers will battle for playing time.

Oklahoma Basketball Preview – Backcourt

Duke transfer Jordan Goldwire comes to Oklahoma as defensive power. Although he won’t score much, Goldwire will utilize his D chops to deescalte opponent offenses. Returning senior Umoja Gibson, who made 58 three-pointers and shot 41.1 percent from downtown last season, has huge offensive potential. He’ll need to up his 9.1 PPG average. Last season, Elijah Harkless, another senior Sooner vet, recorded 8.1 PPG, 5.4 RPG, and 2.3 APG. He’s also a fine defender. Three sharpshooting freshmen recruits will compete for playing time.