Oklahoma Sooners Make NCAA Tournament for First Time Under Porter Moser: A Milestone Achievement

For Oklahoma basketball fans, the 2024 season marked a monumental achievement in the program’s history: the Sooners secured their first NCAA Tournament bid under head coach Porter Moser. After years of ups and downs, the team finally earned its place among the nation’s elite, and the achievement was a testament to Moser’s vision, coaching philosophy, and the tireless work of the players and staff. As the Sooners entered the tournament, the excitement surrounding their return to March Madness was palpable, and fans in Norman had reason to believe this could be the start of a new era in Oklahoma basketball.

The Road to the NCAA Tournament

Porter Moser’s arrival at Oklahoma in 2021 signaled a fresh chapter for a program that had previously seen success under Lon Kruger but was struggling to maintain consistency. Kruger, who had led the Sooners to the NCAA Tournament in six of his ten seasons as head coach, retired after the 2021 season, leaving the program in search of a new direction. Moser, known for his success at Loyola-Chicago, was tasked with rejuvenating a program that had the potential but had not been able to achieve sustained success in recent years.

Moser’s hire was met with optimism, but there were challenges ahead. The Sooners finished the 2021-2022 season with a disappointing 19-16 record and a fourth-place finish in the Big 12 Conference. While Moser was able to instill a sense of defensive discipline and team-oriented play, the team was still searching for a consistent offensive identity. It was clear that building a tournament-caliber squad would take time, but the foundation was being laid.

In his second year, Moser was able to attract talent through recruiting and the transfer portal, bringing in players who could contribute immediately. As the 2023-2024 season began, the Sooners were poised for a breakout year. With a solid mix of experienced players and fresh talent, the team entered the season with high expectations but also a sense of caution. The Big 12 Conference, long regarded as one of the toughest in the nation, would provide numerous opportunities for Oklahoma to prove itself against the best.

The Sooners faced an early test in non-conference play, with a grueling schedule that included matchups against teams from the ACC, SEC, and other top conferences. While they didn’t win every game, the Sooners showed they could compete with high-caliber programs. Their defense, which had been a hallmark of Moser’s coaching style, was on full display, and they began to develop a more fluid offensive system. The team’s chemistry was improving, and they were starting to find an identity that suited their strengths.

However, it was in the Big 12 that Oklahoma truly began to shine. The conference’s competitive nature pushed the Sooners to elevate their level of play, and they began to stack quality wins. Oklahoma secured key victories over ranked opponents, including high-profile wins against Kansas, Texas, and Baylor. These victories not only boosted the team’s confidence but also placed them firmly in the conversation for an NCAA Tournament berth.

Despite facing setbacks and injuries throughout the season, Moser’s squad continued to battle. As the regular season came to a close, it was clear that Oklahoma’s résumé was strong enough to warrant a spot in the tournament, but they would still need to perform well in the Big 12 Tournament to solidify their place in March Madness.

Porter Moser’s Impact on the Program

Porter Moser’s coaching style is defined by its emphasis on defense, discipline, and teamwork. These principles were instilled in the Sooners from day one, and they became the backbone of the team’s success during the 2023-2024 season. Moser’s ability to maximize the talents of his players while ensuring they bought into his system was a key factor in Oklahoma’s rise.

One of Moser’s trademarks as a coach is his ability to develop players into well-rounded, multi-dimensional contributors. Under his guidance, Oklahoma saw significant improvement in its overall basketball IQ, passing, and shot selection. His defensive schemes, which have been a hallmark of his coaching career, transformed Oklahoma into one of the toughest defensive teams in the country.

Moser also showed a knack for handling the pressure of coaching in the Big 12. He understood the importance of competing at a high level in the conference, but he never wavered from his belief in building a team that could thrive under pressure. Whether it was executing in close games or bouncing back from tough losses, Moser’s poise and experience helped the team stay focused on its ultimate goal: an NCAA Tournament appearance.

In addition to his defensive philosophy, Moser made sure that his team developed offensive fluidity. The Sooners had a balanced attack that relied on both inside play and perimeter shooting. Moser’s ability to adapt his coaching style to the strengths of his roster allowed Oklahoma to remain competitive throughout the season, even when they were facing teams with superior talent.

Moser also built a positive culture around the program. His leadership and ability to connect with his players were key factors in their development. The players knew they could trust Moser to put them in positions where they could succeed, and they responded by playing selflessly and with great intensity. Moser’s focus on defense and team-oriented play helped the Sooners create a brand of basketball that was difficult for opponents to break down.

Key Players to Watch

While Porter Moser’s coaching was a key factor in Oklahoma’s success, the players on the court were the ones who ultimately made the difference. The Sooners had several key contributors throughout the season, and their collective effort was crucial in securing the program’s first NCAA Tournament bid under Moser.

Guard Elijah Harkless was one of the team’s most consistent performers. A veteran presence on the floor, Harkless played a critical role in both the offensive and defensive schemes. His ability to create for himself and others, as well as his tenacious on-ball defense, made him one of the most important players on the roster. Harkless’ leadership and experience in close games proved invaluable as the Sooners navigated the tough waters of the Big 12.

Forward Tanner Groves also had an outstanding season. The 6’9” senior proved to be a matchup nightmare for opposing teams with his ability to stretch the floor and finish inside. His skill set allowed Oklahoma to run a more versatile offense, as he could score both in the paint and from beyond the arc. Groves’ rebounding and defensive efforts were crucial in providing the Sooners with the stability they needed in critical moments.

Another standout was guard Jalen Hill, who brought energy and defensive prowess to the team. His work ethic and intensity on the defensive end were contagious, and he often found ways to contribute on offense as well. Hill’s ability to guard multiple positions and his tenacity on the boards made him a valuable asset throughout the season.

Rounding out the core contributors were guard Bijan Cortes and forward Jacob Groves, both of whom provided key scoring and leadership off the bench. Their contributions helped keep the Sooners fresh and dynamic, particularly in crucial moments when the team needed to lean on its depth.

The NCAA Tournament

When Oklahoma finally earned its NCAA Tournament bid, it was a moment of pure joy and excitement for the players, coaches, and fans. The Sooners were back in the tournament for the first time since 2021, and for many, this marked the beginning of a new chapter in the program’s history.

As a lower-seed team in the tournament, the Sooners faced tough competition right from the start. However, their balanced approach, combined with their defensive prowess, made them a tough out for any team. Moser’s familiarity with high-pressure games, developed during his time at Loyola-Chicago, was evident as he led the team through the early rounds of the tournament.

Though the Sooners were eliminated in the second round of the tournament, the experience of making it to March Madness was a crucial milestone. For the players, coaches, and fans, the 2024 NCAA Tournament was a reminder that Oklahoma basketball had returned to the national stage. The team’s performance in the tournament reinforced the notion that Moser’s vision was beginning to take shape, and that the program had a bright future ahead.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Oklahoma Basketball

While the 2024 NCAA Tournament appearance was a significant accomplishment, it also set the stage for what is to come. With Moser at the helm, the Sooners are positioned to become a consistent force in the Big 12 and beyond. The foundation is in place for Oklahoma to compete at a high level year in and year out, and the future of the program looks promising.

Moser’s recruiting efforts, coupled with his ability to develop players, should continue to elevate Oklahoma’s standing in college basketball. As the program attracts more top-tier talent and develops its current players, the Sooners will look to build on their recent success and make deeper runs in future NCAA Tournaments.

For Oklahoma fans, the 2024 season will be remembered as the year the program returned to the NCAA Tournament under Porter Moser. It was a testament to the hard work, resilience, and vision of everyone involved. The Sooners are back on the national stage, and the future of Oklahoma basketball has never looked brighter.