Kristian Ferrell
The Oklahoma Sooners men's basketball team has a rich history in intercollegiate basketball, representing the University of Oklahoma with distinction. The Sooners have achieved notable success in the highly competitive world of college basketball, consistently appearing in the NCAA tournament and establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with. With a strong record of 42-33 in their 34 NCAA tournament appearances, the Sooners have reached the Final Four an impressive five times, a feat that underscores their prowess and resilience. In addition, the program has produced numerous All-Americans and first-round draft picks, solidifying its reputation as a powerhouse in the sport. The team's home games at the Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, Oklahoma, are always highly anticipated, with fans eagerly cheering on their beloved Sooners.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Team | Oklahoma Sooners men's basketball team |
| University | University of Oklahoma |
| Division | Division I |
| Conference | Southeastern Conference (SEC) |
| Affiliation | National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) |
| Home Games | Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, Oklahoma |
| NCAA Tournament Appearances | 34 |
| NCAA Tournament Record | 42–33 |
| Final Four Appearances | 5 |
| National Championships | 0 |
| National Invitation Tournament (NIT) Appearances | 8 |
| NIT Record | 11–8 |
| Conference Championships | 14 |
| Conference Tournaments | 7 |
| All-Americans | 33 |
| First Round Draft Picks | 9 |
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What You'll Learn
Oklahoma Sooners men's basketball team's AP poll ranking
The OU men's basketball team, also known as the Oklahoma Sooners, has seen success in the AP poll rankings. In December 2023, the team was ranked No. 11 in the AP poll, moving up from No. 19 after securing two wins that week. With an impressive 9-0 record at that time, the Sooners' success in the AP poll reflects their strong performance on the court.
The AP poll, short for Associated Press poll, is a weekly ranking of the top 25 college basketball teams in the United States. It is a highly respected and influential ranking system that takes into account the performance and records of teams across the country. The rankings are determined by a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters who vote on their top 25 teams each week.
The Oklahoma Sooners' appearance in the AP poll's top 25 is a significant achievement and a testament to their hard work and talent. Moving up from their previous ranking of No. 19, the Sooners have proven their ability to compete with the nation's best college basketball programs. Their success in the AP poll also brings recognition and pride to their university and fans.
The Sooners' ranking in the AP poll has likely impacted their reputation and standing in the college basketball world. A high ranking in the AP poll often leads to increased media coverage, higher attendance at games, and greater interest from prospective student-athletes. Additionally, a strong performance in the AP poll can influence tournament selections and seeding, impacting the team's postseason prospects.
While the Sooners have enjoyed success in the AP poll, the rankings can fluctuate weekly based on wins and losses. Maintaining a high ranking requires consistent performance and the ability to overcome challenges from other top-ranked teams. The Sooners' ability to sustain their success and defend their ranking will be a key storyline to follow as the college basketball season progresses.
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Sooners' NCAA tournament appearances
The Oklahoma Sooners men's basketball team has a rich history in the NCAA Tournament, with several deep runs and notable appearances.
The Sooners first participated in the NCAA Tournament in 1939, when they were one of the original eight teams invited to compete for the national championship. They reached the Final Four, losing to Oregon (then known as the Webfoots) in the semi-finals. The Sooners wouldn't return to the tournament until 1943, and then again in 1947, where they made their second appearance in the championship game, losing to Holy Cross.
Under the leadership of coach Billy Tubbs, who took over in 1981, the Sooners gained national prominence. Star players Wayman Tisdale, Mookie Blaylock, and Stacey King helped guide the team to consistent success, including an appearance in the NCAA title game in 1988, where they narrowly lost to the Kansas Jayhawks. During Tubbs' tenure, the Sooners made 10 NCAA tournament appearances, including one Final Four appearance and one National Title game.
The Sooners continued their success under coach Kelvin Sampson, who took over in 1994. Sampson led the team to 11 NCAA tournament appearances, including a Final Four appearance in 2002 and an Elite Eight appearance in 2003. The team also won the Big 12 Tournament in 2001, 2002, and 2003.
More recently, the Sooners have had mixed results in the NCAA Tournament. In 2013 and 2014, they suffered early exits in the Round of 64. However, in 2015, they made it to the Sweet 16, losing to Michigan State. The Sooners bounced back in 2016, defeating the Oregon Ducks to win the West regional final and advancing further in the tournament.
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Sooners' head coaches and their records
The Oklahoma Sooners basketball team has a rich history, with many notable coaches contributing to its success over the years. The team's current head coach is Porter Moser, who took over on April 2, 2021, and has since led the team for three seasons. Moser is known for his successful coaching career, including a decade at Loyola University Chicago, where he led the team to the Final Four in 2018.
Prior to Moser, Lincoln Riley served as the Sooners' head coach. Riley led the team to Big 12 titles in each of his first four seasons and made three College Football Playoff appearances. He holds the record for the most wins by a head coach in their debut season (12) and in their first four seasons (45). Riley is also renowned for his high winning percentage during his time with the Sooners.
Another notable coach in the Sooners' history is Bob Stoops, who led the team to its seventh national championship in 2000. Stoops accumulated an impressive record of 190-48 during his tenure, making him the coach with the most wins in Sooners history. He also won 10 Big 12 Conference titles and is well-known for his success in bowl games, leading the Sooners to 18 consecutive bowl appearances.
Barry Switzer is also among the distinguished Sooners coaches. He holds the highest winning percentage among Oklahoma coaches and has the most conference wins. Switzer's legacy includes leading the Sooners to multiple conference championships and a national championship. He later went on to coach the Dallas Cowboys, guiding them to a Super Bowl victory in 1995.
The Sooners have had several other influential coaches, including Chuck Fairbanks, who won three Big Eight Conference titles, and Bennie Owen, who coached the team for the longest tenure of 21 seasons from 1905 to 1926. The Sooners' success on the court is a testament to the dedication and expertise of these coaches, who have left a lasting impact on the team's performance and legacy.
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Sooners' star players
The Oklahoma Sooners have a rich history in college football, with many star players having represented the team. Here is a list of some of the standout Sooners players over the years:
Billy Sims: Sims is one of the greatest college football players ever, with 53 career rushing touchdowns, ranking second in Sooners history. He won the Heisman Trophy in 1978, rushing for 1,896 yards and 20 touchdowns that season. Sims was a two-time All-American and a College Football Hall of Famer.
Brian Bosworth ("The Boz"): Known for his crazy haircuts and brash attitude, Bosworth is one of the biggest stars in college football history. He was a two-time unanimous All-American and won the Butkus Award twice, the only player to accomplish the latter feat. Bosworth set a single-season school record with 22 tackles in 1986 and had nearly 400 tackles for his Sooners career.
Sam Bradford: Bradford became just the second sophomore in NCAA history to win the Heisman Trophy. During his Heisman-winning season, he threw for 4,720 yards and 50 touchdowns, both school records. Over his Sooners career, he threw for 8,403 yards and 88 touchdowns. Bradford also won The Associated Press College Football Player of the Year, the Sammy Baugh Trophy, and the Davey O'Brien Award.
Ryan Broyles: Broyles is statistically the greatest receiver in Sooners history. He is the only player in Sooners history with over 300 catches (349) and 4,000 receiving yards (4,586). Broyles also holds the school record for receiving touchdowns with 45.
Tommy McDonald: McDonald had one of the most impressive seasons ever by a Sooner, leading the team in rushing, receiving, and passing in 1955. He was a two-time All-American and received the Maxwell Award in 1955 as the best player in the country. McDonald was inducted into both the College and NFL Hall of Fame.
Tony Casillas: Casillas is considered one of the greatest defensive linemen in Sooners history. In 1984, he recorded 10 sacks and was named the Big 8 Defensive Player of the Year and UPI's Lineman of the Year. He was a two-time consensus All-American and won the Lombardi Award in 1985.
These players represent just a fraction of the talented athletes who have worn the Sooners uniform, with many others also leaving their mark on the program's storied history.
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Sooners' home games
The Oklahoma Sooners are a college basketball team. Sooners fans in New York City can watch every game live at Haswell Greens. The Sooners' 2025 football schedule includes several home games in Norman, Oklahoma. These include games against Illinois State, Michigan, Auburn, Kent State, Ole Miss, and Missouri.
Haswell Greens, the official NYC home of the OU Sooners, offers a range of food and drinks to enjoy while watching the games. The menu includes options such as boomer beers, wagon wheel wines, mixed well drinks, and classic 50's cocktails. For food, they offer game day guac, chips and queso, Barry's buffalo wings, and the Stoop's Smashburger, a double patty burger with American cheese and caramelised onions.
The Sooners' home stadium, Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, is located on the university's campus in Norman, Oklahoma. The stadium has a capacity of over 80,000 and is known for its loud and passionate fans. The Sooners' home games are a popular event in the state, with fans travelling from all over to attend.
The team's official colours are crimson and cream, and their mascot is the Sooner, a depiction of a pioneer who settled the state of Oklahoma before its official opening to settlement in 1889. The Sooners have a rich history and a passionate fan base, making their home games a lively and exciting event.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2023, the Oklahoma Sooners men's basketball team is ranked No. 11 in the latest AP poll and 12th in the coaches poll.
The Oklahoma Sooners basketball team has appeared in the NCAA tournament 34 times, with a combined record of 42-33. They have made it to the Final Four five times and hold the record for the most NCAA tournament wins without a championship.
The Oklahoma Sooners basketball team has had several notable players and coaches throughout its history. Some well-known figures include Billy Tubbs, Wayman Tisdale, Mookie Blaylock, Stacey King, Eduardo Nájera, Hollis Price, and Blake Griffin.
