The Oklahoma Sooners men’s basketball team, under head coach Porter Moser, has shown flashes of brilliance early in the 2023-2024 season. However, one of the most glaring weaknesses the team has struggled with so far is rebounding. As they prepare to face off against Texas A&M, the Sooners are hoping to address this issue head-on, as they look to improve in a critical area of the game. Rebounding is not just a stat; it’s a fundamental part of both offense and defense, and the Sooners know that to be competitive in the Big 12 and beyond, they need to tighten up on the boards.
### The Importance of Rebounding
Rebounding is often an overlooked aspect of basketball, but it is arguably one of the most crucial. Good rebounding gives a team extra possessions and limits the opponent’s chances to score. Offensive rebounds, in particular, can lead to second-chance points, which can shift momentum in a game. On the flip side, defensive rebounds prevent the opponent from having multiple opportunities to score. For the Sooners, struggling on the boards has led to extended possessions for opponents, ultimately putting more pressure on their defense and stalling their offensive rhythm.
The Sooners’ rebounding issues have been evident throughout the season. Despite having strong individual players like Grant Sherfield, who leads the team in scoring, and key defensive contributors such as Jalen Hill, Oklahoma has consistently found itself on the wrong side of the rebound margin in several games. Against tough opponents, this has led to missed opportunities on offense and an inability to fully close out games defensively.
### A Look at the Statistics
So far this season, Oklahoma ranks poorly in key rebounding metrics. The Sooners are averaging just 35.4 rebounds per game, which puts them in the lower half of the Big 12. When compared to a team like Texas A&M, who is posting 40.2 rebounds per game, it becomes clear that Oklahoma has ground to make up in this area. Texas A&M’s success on the glass comes from a combination of height, athleticism, and a team-wide commitment to crashing the boards.
Oklahoma’s offensive rebounding is another concern. The Sooners have only managed to grab 8.6 offensive boards per game, which is far below the national average for competitive teams. Against high-caliber opponents, like Texas A&M, a team can’t afford to squander second-chance opportunities or give up additional possessions to the opposing team.
On the defensive end, the issue is just as apparent. The Sooners have allowed opponents to collect 12.4 offensive rebounds per game, ranking them near the bottom in the Big 12. With teams like Texas A&M coming to town, this weakness could prove detrimental, as A&M’s strong frontcourt and physical play can easily exploit these gaps.
### Texas A&M’s Strengths on the Glass
As the Sooners prepare for their matchup against Texas A&M, they will face one of the most aggressive and talented rebounding teams in the nation. The Aggies are known for their physicality, and under head coach Buzz Williams, they’ve built a team that excels in securing rebounds on both ends of the court. A&M has multiple players who are capable of contributing significantly on the boards, including forwards like Henry Coleman III, a 6’7″ forward who leads the team in rebounds, and Jalen Johnson, who provides both size and athleticism.
Texas A&M’s ability to dominate the glass has allowed them to win close games and create extra scoring opportunities, especially in transition. This is an area where Oklahoma must improve drastically to stay competitive. Moser’s squad can’t afford to lose the rebounding battle by a wide margin, or they’ll be putting themselves at a severe disadvantage.
The Aggies’ approach to rebounding is not just about size but also about effort. Williams has built a program where every player is expected to contribute in every facet of the game, and that includes pursuing every rebound with tenacity. This relentless mindset is something the Sooners will need to match if they hope to even the odds.
### What Must Change for Oklahoma?
To stand a chance against a rebounding juggernaut like Texas A&M, the Sooners will need to make adjustments across several areas. First, they must improve their effort level. While talent is important, rebounding is often a matter of desire, timing, and positioning. Oklahoma needs to become more aggressive in boxing out opponents and securing loose balls.
Second, the Sooners must improve their team-wide rebounding. It’s not just about big men crashing the boards; guards must also help in securing defensive rebounds to limit second-chance opportunities for the opposition. Players like Sherfield, Hill, and Bijan Cortes will need to show a greater commitment to crashing the glass, even if that means sacrificing a bit of their offensive focus.
Third, Moser must find a way to limit Texas A&M’s physicality on the boards. This could mean going with smaller lineups at times, looking to spread the floor and force the Aggies into less favorable matchups. It might also involve increasing the tempo of the game, so that the Aggies have less time to set up their physical rebounding schemes.
Finally, Oklahoma needs to be more disciplined in their positioning. On defense, the Sooners can’t afford to let A&M players position themselves for easy put-backs. On offense, they need to do a better job of getting in position for offensive rebounds, especially when the first shot misses. Guarding the perimeter and crashing the glass together will be essential in limiting A&M’s scoring opportunities.
### The Role of Coach Porter Moser
Head coach Porter Moser, who previously led Loyola-Chicago to the Final Four, has a long track record of building tough, gritty teams. In his time at Oklahoma, he has instilled a defense-first mentality, but the rebounding issues have remained a challenge. Moser will need to instill a sense of urgency and discipline in his players if they hope to rectify the issue. Rebounding is not something that can be fixed overnight, but with proper coaching and the right mindset, Oklahoma can improve significantly.
Moser has also shown the ability to make adjustments during the course of a game. Whether it’s switching lineups or tweaking defensive strategies, Moser’s basketball IQ will be tested against a team like Texas A&M, which thrives on physicality. Oklahoma will need to find ways to balance the need for toughness with smart basketball execution.
### Conclusion
The upcoming game against Texas A&M presents a critical opportunity for Oklahoma to address their rebounding deficiencies. If the Sooners can make the necessary adjustments and improve their effort on the boards, they will have a much better chance of staying competitive in the game. A win against Texas A&M would not only give them a much-needed confidence boost but also prove that they can overcome one of their most significant weaknesses. The road ahead for Oklahoma basketball is challenging, but with the right mindset, it’s not an insurmountable task. The rebounding battle against the Aggies will be a key indicator of how far this team can go as they look to improve their standing in the Big 12 and beyond.
