OU Basketball: Oklahoma Makes Its Return to the AP Top 25, Sooner’s Ranking Revealed…..
The Oklahoma Sooners men’s basketball team has made a strong statement this season, as they have been included in the prestigious AP Top 25 rankings for the first time in recent years. The Sooners, led by head coach Porter Moser, have impressed both the experts and the basketball community with their remarkable performance, earning them a spot among the nation’s elite college basketball programs.
Sooners Break into the Top 25
The latest AP Top 25 poll, released on December 3, 2024, sees Oklahoma entering at No. 22. This ranking reflects the team’s consistency and growing strength, as they’ve not only held their own against tough competition but also outperformed expectations throughout the season.
This ranking is particularly significant for Oklahoma, which had been absent from the AP Top 25 rankings for several seasons. With a new era under Coach Moser, the program has been focused on rebuilding and refocusing, and their hard work is paying off.
Oklahoma’s Rise to the Top
Oklahoma’s ascent into the rankings is a testament to their balanced style of play and solid fundamentals. This season, the Sooners have been aggressive on both ends of the floor, combining a potent offense with a defense that can stifle even the best teams. Through a blend of experienced upperclassmen and talented underclassmen, the Sooners have demonstrated they are ready to compete with the best in the country.
Several key players have been instrumental in Oklahoma’s success. Senior forward Jalen Hill has provided leadership and scoring, while guard Grant Sherfield, a transfer from Nevada, has seamlessly integrated into the team’s offense, providing stability and production. Together, the team has been able to string together impressive wins, notably a dominant victory over a ranked opponent earlier in the season.
In addition to their top-tier performances, Oklahoma’s head coach Porter Moser has made a significant impact in transforming the culture of the program. After taking over the program in 2021, Moser’s emphasis on defense and team-oriented basketball has revitalized the Sooners, moving them away from the inconsistent play of past seasons and toward a more disciplined, competitive team.
Impact of the Ranking
For the Sooners, being ranked in the AP Top 25 is not just an acknowledgment of their hard work—it’s a huge boost for their confidence and recruiting efforts. The ranking places Oklahoma back on the map as one of the premier programs in the country, and with a strong season so far, they are poised for an even better performance in the NCAA tournament race.
For Coach Moser and the team, the recognition means a higher profile moving forward, with more attention from the national media, more challenging matchups, and perhaps more opportunities to showcase their talents on the biggest stage. It also enhances their chances of earning a favorable seed in March Madness, where seeding plays a pivotal role in advancing to the later rounds.
The AP Top 25 ranking also solidifies Oklahoma’s status as a rising program within the Big 12 Conference, one of the toughest leagues in college basketball. As the conference season ramps up, the Sooners will face off against some of the top teams in the country, including perennial powerhouses like Kansas, Baylor, and Texas. How they perform in these games will be crucial to maintaining their ranking and possibly climbing even higher as the season progresses.
Looking Ahead: The Road to March Madness
With the NCAA tournament on the horizon, Oklahoma’s inclusion in the AP Top 25 will only add fuel to their fire. The Sooners will look to build on their current momentum and continue to prove they belong among the nation’s elite teams. Their next few games will be pivotal, as they face off against several ranked teams in the Big 12. Success in these matchups could help solidify their position as a top contender for an at-large bid in the tournament.
The program is optimistic about their future, but for now, Coach Moser and his players are focused on continuing to improve and maintaining their place among the Top 25. As Oklahoma continues to show its potential on the national stage, the Sooners are positioning themselves as a force to be reckoned with, not just in the Big 12, but across the entire college basketball landscape.
In conclusion, Oklahoma’s inclusion in the AP Top 25 marks a new chapter for the program, one of renewed hope, determination, and success. As the Sooners continue their climb, fans and analysts alike are eagerly watching to see just how far they can go. The journey is just beginning, and with the talent and leadership on the roster, Oklahoma’s
basketball future looks bright.
