Jeff Nwankwo injury update: Porter Moser reveals how close Oklahoma guard is to returning

Oklahoma Sooners head coach Porter Moser shared an injury update on guard Jeff Nwankwo, sharing that he’s making improvement but that the timeline for his return to game action is still unclear.

Jeff Nwankwo tore his Achilles tendon over the Summer and needed surgery in late July. The goal had been to have him return to practice in December and now, with that timeline coming around, Porter Moser shared that he is back and practicing without contact.

“He’s doing full individual workouts,” Porter Moser said. “He’s running, jumping, shooting. Nothing live contact yet, but his progression has been amazing, but he is doing live, full one-on-zero workouts. Dribbling, ball handling, shooting, running, jumping.”

Despite that, there isn’t a timeline to return to contact and games. Moser explained that confidence is now going to be a key factor as he gets comfortable playing on his surgically repaired Achilles.

“But there’s no definite timetable for when that return is yet because there’s still — I did my Achilles. Now, I did my Achilles at 37, not as young and athletic as Jeff. I’ve never been as athletic as remotely as his right wrist. There’s a confidence issue when you come back with your Achilles. To push off, to jump, to cut with that Achilles. So, there’s one thing doing these workouts, another thing doing the live workouts,” Moser said.

“So, we’re just gonna keep the progression going, listen to the doctors, but he’s been progressing great.”

Jeff Nwankwo began his college career as a wide receiver at Tulane for the 2021-22 season. At the time, he was a three-star recruit in the Class of 2021, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. He was also the 230th-ranked receiver in that cycle. However, he did not see any action that season and ended up spending the next two seasons in the JUCO ranks converting to basketball while playing for Cowley College. Now, he comes to Oklahoma with two seasons of eligibility remaining.

A native of Oklahoma City, Jeff Nwankwo averaged 18.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game last season at Cowley College.

This is Porter Moser’s fourth season with the Sooners and the 7-0 start for Oklahoma has been the most promising he’s had during his time in Norman. After failing to make a postseason tournament the past two seasons, there is hope that whether or not Jeff Nwankwo can get back on the court this season, the Sooners are going to be able to make their first NCAA Tournament since 2021.