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Getting to know Sooners: Javian McCollum

Bob Przybyloby:Bob Przybylo•11/02/23•

BPrzybylo

Javian McCollum
OU guard Javian McCollum (Bob Przybylo - SoonerScoop/On3).

Sooners basketball season is just around the corner, and it’s OK if you need a primer of who these guys are. Now in year No. 3 at Oklahoma, head coach Porter Moser is confident the program has checked all the boxes to make an NCAA run.

Here is a brief overview of some of the key pieces for OU for the 2023-24 season.

OU begins its season next Monday vs. Central Michigan in Norman.

Guard Javian McCollum – Junior

Another transfer where we’ll playing the waiting game to see. Because it was very clear McCollum was someone the OU brass wanted in Norman. You always wonder about the adjustment of moving up a level. Going from Siena to the Big 12 is a jump, no other way to say it.

Moser loves to play with two point guards, two guys able to push the ball and pass it. McCollum to go with Milos Uzan feels like a strong recipe for success for the Sooners.

What to expect?

What will be most interesting is to see how McCollum and Uzan play together. Yes, we know both can handle the ball and pass the ball. But who is going to have it in their hands more? Will one of them emerge as a better off-ball offensive player?

McCollum turned heads during the summer and fall. He suffered a concussion earlier this month. But he’s cleared now, no issues.

If he can bring that quickness and not get roughed up by playing against the Big 12 gauntlet, McCollum has a chance to be very, very special.

There’s a logjam at the guard spot, so we’ll see if McCollum can help himself separate from the rest of the pack.

Moser says

“I think we’re going to be able to have two dynamic point guards playing together in terms of Javian McCollum and Milos. Both can shoot it, can create for others. Both have some speed. I think that’s exciting. Because I really feel that we have two guards that are exceptional on ball screens. Javian and Los are really good decision makers. They’re both elite passers. You’re gonna notice it but I’m gonna say it now, they’re both ambidextrous passers. They can come off right to left and throw a shake pass with their left hand. Both of them can. I think we have two guys who can pass. I think with John, they’re gonna have to make the decision if they’re gonna switch or not.”

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