Sooners experience paying off in multiple ways

It hasn’t mattered who is in the second wave for the Sooners in the first two games. Whoever has been called upon by head coach Porter Moser has delivered so far.

Even playing without three scholarship players last Friday, OU nearly won by 40 points. The Sooners look to keep it going with Texas State coming to Lloyd Noble Center 7 p.m. Tuesday.

“It’s really encouraging. Because I think coming off the bench with guys you know can come in and score double figures,” Moser said. “They’re older, physical guys that know what’s going on. Instead of coming in with guys with less experience.

“That’s been good. Javian and Los are the backbone of what we’re doing. They make everything go. They create for others. Nobody creates for each other more than Javian and Los. To have two guys like that is really good.”

Guards Javian McCollum and Milos Uzan drive the car, but neither scored a lot last game. That was OK as we learned the Sooners have multiple experienced guys who can handle the load.

You see it in the game because it starts in practice. When you’ve got experience and guys who love to play defense, it spreads to the rest of the team.

“It’s one of those things where I really enjoy these guys in practice because they go really hard,” Moser said. “We practice with a lot of energy and toughness and have to continue to do that as we move on. The practices have been very competitive because we’re deeper and makes for more things you can do. They’ve been practicing good.”

Cole’s redshirt conundrum

Moser mentioned Friday evening about the possibility of redshirting freshman Jacolb Cole. Cole has been injured in recent years, but he’s not right now. He’s healthy, but it’s such a tough decision to make. Because if you make it, that’s it.

There is no rule like in college football where you can play four games and still be a redshirt. If you’re a true freshman and play one game, that year is done. The only qualifier is if there is a season-ending injury that occurs.

“I’d love that,” said Moser about a rule change. “That would be great. It’s just that would be a great rule for basketball. But man, if you were to play one second, then your year is over. So, you just kind of want to go through a little bit and see how things are going before you just totally make that jump. So, that’s what those conversations are like.”

OU had the same situation last season with Luke Northweather and opted to redshirt him. Cole could be headed in that very same direction this time.

Scouting Texas State

Offensive rebounding was a focus last game, and it will be again. Texas State has been killing teams on the boards. Another night for guys like Sam Godwin and John Hugley to go to work.

“They have 41 offensive rebounds in two games,” Moser said. “They get after you defensively; they’re trying to force turnovers and run. Really well-coached.

“This team has won that league or been in the tops of that league for three or four years now, but rebounding is at the top of that list. Transition defense, top of the list. Then, being strong with the ball because they are going to try to deny every pass, get up in passing lanes.”

The Sooners had 20 offensive rebounds last game.

Moore, Cooper expected to be available

Anticipates is the word of the day here from Moser regarding Jalon Moore and Kaden Cooper. He said he anticipates both to be available Tuesday.

“He should be fine, too,” Moser said. “They both practiced about 50 percent yesterday. We’ll see here today. They’re gonna go a little bit more reps today. I anticipate both of them will be ready.”

Moore missed Friday’s game with a hamstring injury. Cooper was out because of a sprained ankle.