Staying together, staying positive crucial for OU

You can’t dwell on the past for OU basketball. You move forward, but you move forward in a specific kind of way.

Keeping the positive energy. Staying connected as the team has said they are so many times in the first three months of the season.

The two losses at home were less than ideal, obviously. But it’s a long season, and the Big 12 has a way of separating those are ready for it and those who will fall to the back.

This is one of those weeks where OU can show it’s going to stay in the hunt.

How to watch

No. 23 OU (15-5, 3-4) at Kansas State (14-6, 4-3)
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday
TV: ESPN+.

Now it won’t be easy, starting with a showdown at KSU. The Wildcats are 3-0 at home in Big 12 play. And like OU, KSU is reeling after a two-loss week itself (at Iowa State, at Houston).

Head coach Porter Moser wasn’t about to just keep sticking with the plan when the plan isn’t working. The last two days were about a lot of individual focus, especially defensively. What little part can each player do better so the collective whole gets the desired result?

“All about that they know I’m in it with them,” Moser said. “I can be mad and hold them to a standard, but it doesn’t mean that they’re against me. I did some individual ones because I wanted to let them know like, hey, we’re in this together to find solutions. Let’s find solutions together. Accountability is a form of love. You’ve heard me say that before.

“I’m in this. And that’s what some of the message is. Let’s figure this out together. You’re not fighting someone who is holding you accountable and the opponent. That’s really important for young people to understand. You’re not fighting someone who is holding you accountable and your opponent. The person that is holding you accountable, you’re in it together.”

McCollum needs the ‘Positive Dog’

In it together, and needing Javian McCollum to become that guy again. It was a rough week for the transfer guard. He was held under double-digits both games, and you could see his confidence shaken a bit for the first time.

He was one of those guys who had an individual defensive session with Moser, and it’s time to get McCollum positive again.

Whatever it takes.

“What I told him is you talk about feeding that positive dog,” Moser said. “The author Jon Gordon is a friend of mine. He has a book called The Positive Dog. When you’re quiet and think about it, you’re feeding the negative dog. You have to feel great about the little things. Get a great assist, make a good stop. You pick somebody up? Those are ways you’re feeding the positive dog. I think that’s a key not just for Javian but for other guys.

“Watch yourself when you’re really good. See yourself make a defensive stop, feel great about it. It just doesn’t have to be a big three to get out of it. I think young people sometimes think the best way is hitting a big shot, and then they force a shot. There are a million ways to make a winning play. That’s what we’re trying to have our guys focus in on. Make a winning play.”

Scouting KSU

Tells you a little about Jerome Tang’s group that it can go 0-2 and still be among the league’s best at 4-3 so far.

It’s just a different environment in Manhattan. And you know the Wildcats are coming in as a desperate team. Both are, but it’s about who harnesses that energy in the right way.

“Really good. They’ve done a phenomenal job of guys coming back and the new guys in the portal — (Arthur) Kaluma came from Creighton, obviously my alma mater, watched him in the NCAA Tournament, terrific. Tylor Perry, really, really scores. He can do a lot.

“I think Cam Carter is the most improved player in the Big 12. I mean, he’s terrific. Think (David) N’Guessan and (Will) McNair, they are physical, they’re long, they’re athletic, and they can score in bunches in transition. We really got to get back in transition.”

Final word

“We’ve got an awesome group of guys. Two games in a row, ownership, every one of us, coaches, players took ownership. Yes, we know the mistakes we made. I’m really seeing their focus. It magnifies when it’s one point. Frustrated isn’t the word. Really, really disappointed we didn’t get that thing done. In terms of their psyche, it’s all cylinders pushing ahead. Gotta get the next one.” – Moser