John Hugley, Javian McCollum highlight Oklahoma additions

The goal for Oklahoma basketball head coach Porter Moser is for his teams to grow old together. It’s something he has said a lot in his first two years in Norman.

It’s just easier said than done in the transfer portal era. Moser finds himself once again having to be incredibly active in the portal and trying to find the right pieces to get things going for the Sooners.

We’re in the middle of a dead period, so you can breathe a bit. It also allows time to examine what OU has been able to do in the portal before visits can resume this weekend.

The Sooners have added four players and signed them all. There are still two scholarship spots open, and it’s not quite time to panic just yet.

Next week will be the deadline for players to withdraw from the NBA Draft. A number of players went with an option of declaring for the Draft and entering the portal. Well, once they withdraw, then they’ll be in the portal. Perhaps that’s where Oklahoma can get to work.

OU still needs a starting power forward and has the freedom to do what it wants with that final scholarship. Moser could also pocket that for the 2024 class.

As we look ahead, though, let’s also revisit what Moser and staff has been able to do.

Javian McCollum (Siena)

The first portal announcement. It was a big one. There are certain spots where you needed to find your unquestioned Plan A targets. Javian McCollum was just that for Oklahoma at point guard.

McCollum averaged 15.9 points, 3.9 assists and 2.1 rebounds per game last season. He has the ability to score, notching at least 20 points in 13 games. But where he’s going to stand out most, in all likelihood, is picking up the pace.

“Javian is a dynamic guard who brings instant speed to our team,” said Moser in a press release. “Last year, he played with one of the fastest paces in the NCAA and will be a perfect addition to the roster as we aim to play more up tempo.

“He has a competitive edge and makes other players better. Javian has a great knack for scoring and the ability to shoot from deep. I am excited for him to join the OU family.”

John Hugley (Pittsburgh)

If McCollum was OU’s top choice in the backcourt, John Hugley was that guy for the Sooners in the frontcourt. There is no doubt OU needs some help with its bigs, and Hugley has to be that guy.

Hugley averaged 12.2 points and 6.6 rebounds in his three seasons with the Panthers. OU is hoping for the sophomore version, though.

Hugley averaged just under 15 points and eight rebounds that year. Hampered by injuries, last year wasn’t what he hoped for. He played just eight games, but his message has been clear on social media ever since picking Oklahoma. He’s coming back with a different mindset when he’s in Norman.

“John is an extremely physical post player and uses his 6-9 frame aggressively around the basket,” said Moser in a press release. “When he is healthy, he has proven to be one of the best five-man scorers in the country and showed his ability in the ACC.

“He has a great feel on offense and is a willing facilitator. His physical toughness and size make it extremely hard for opposing teams to switch.” 

Rivaldo Soares (Oregon)

Hugley and McCollum both have multiple years of eligibility left. So it was time for Moser to get some of those super seniors to Oklahoma. It started with Rivaldo Soares.

Soares spent the last two seasons at Oregon, and there was a natural connection with Soares and first-year assistant coach Armon Gates. Gates was an assistant with the Ducks last season.

Soares started 33 games last season and averaged 7.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists. However, his biggest impact could come on defense where he is always up to the task.

“At 6-6, Rivaldo gives us a long and competitive athletic wing who has played at the highest level,” said Moser in a press release. “He is an elite defender who can create offense with his defense.

“At Oregon, he was always tasked to guard the other team’s best player. His addition to the roster continues to build our length and athleticism as we aim to build a more athletic and up-tempo team.”

Le’Tre Darthard (Utah Valley)

Another super senior, Le’Tre Darthard feels like the epitome of being a Moser guy. Someone who can get it done offensively but can be a star on defense.

“Le’Tre brings experience and toughness on both ends of the court,” said Moser in a press release. “He was a member of two championship teams at Utah Valley and showed his ability last season in the WAC as an all-defensive and all-league selection. Le’Tre is an efficient three-level scorer who has deep range.”

Darthard averaged 13.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists last season. He was named All-WAC First Team and All-Defensive Team.

Again, he’s a Moser guy. Originally from Denton (Texas) Guyer, he’s coming a heck of a lot closer to home as well.