For much of the past two years, Porter Moser’s tenure as the head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners men’s basketball team has been met with skepticism. After taking over in 2021, Moser was tasked with maintaining the high standards set by the program while simultaneously rebuilding it. Yet, as the Sooners stumbled through an underwhelming 2022-2023 season, doubts began to grow about Moser’s ability to turn the program around.
A combination of inconsistent play, disappointing losses, and struggles in conference play left the fanbase questioning whether Moser was the right leader for Oklahoma. The expectations were high after he left Loyola-Chicago, where he built a strong reputation by leading the Ramblers to an impressive run in the NCAA Tournament. But in Norman, those lofty goals seemed elusive, and the team failed to meet the standard that fans had come to expect.
However, as the 2024 season has unfolded, things have started to look different. The Sooners have been showing signs of progress, particularly in key areas where they had struggled in previous seasons. Moser’s defensive schemes are becoming more effective, and his ability to adapt to the strengths of his roster is becoming more evident. Under his leadership, Oklahoma has picked up some crucial wins and is gaining ground in the competitive Big 12 conference.
The improvement is palpable, and fans are beginning to sense that the Sooner program could finally be on the upswing. While it’s still early in the season, and the pressure to perform in the Big 12 remains high, there’s a renewed sense of optimism. Moser’s ability to develop players, his defensive-first mentality, and his overall game management are starting to pay off.
But the question remains: Is this a flash in the pan, or has Moser truly turned the corner? Sooner Nation, still wary from the disappointments of the past, is cautiously hopeful. After all, Oklahoma basketball fans have seen too many seasons slip away to let their guard down too easily. Still, if Moser can continue this trajectory, the faith of Sooner Nation may soon be fully restored.
