Oklahoma Basketball: 2023-24 season preview for the Sooners

Key Reserves

Guard – Otega Oweh (Sophomore)

An important part of last year’s recruiting class, Oweh had limited opportunities as a freshman, averaging 4.8 points and 2.1 rebounds, though he did start the last nine game for the Sooners last year. He could certainly find his way into the starting lineup, but don’t be surprised if Oweh has a breakout season, especially if his offensive game takes the next step forward.

Guard – Kaden Cooper (Freshman)

A 4-star recruit and perhaps the most important offseason find for Moser and company, Cooper is full of potential. We’re not sure what exactly to expect from Cooper on the offensive end immediately, but he rates as one of the best defensive guards in the entire country. Whether he can stand out as a defensive menace and develop into a future star for the Sooners remains to be seen.

Guard – Rivaldo Soares (Senior)

Soares arrives at Oklahoma with one year of eligibility left, having starred at the junior college level and having played the last two years at Oregon. He was a starter in the Ducks’ backcourt, averaging 7.2 points and 3.6 rebounds while standing out as an elite defender. He’s an athletic wing who won’t make much headway from outside the arc but is dangerous in the paint.

Forward – Sam Godwin (Senior)

Last year was Godwin’s first with the Sooners after a pair of years with Wofford and he was a decent bench piece. He averaged 4.9 points and 3.3 rebounds exclusively coming off the bench, with just a few double-digit scoring outbursts. He’s revered for his strength and has great rebounding metrics, especially on the offensive end.

Forward – Yaya Keita (Sophomore)

After he was a bench piece at Missouri under Cuonzo Martin, Keita spent last season with the Sooners but barely saw the floor, playing just three minutes before missing most of the season due to injury. It’s hard to glean much from his performance last season, but his athleticism and size make him an intriguing depth piece in the frontcourt if he’s healthy this year.

Guard – Maks Klanjscek (Senior)

Not only is this Klanjscek’s fifth year of college ball but it comes at his fifth school. He was most recently a full-time starter at Houston Christian, putting up 15.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists for the Huskies last season. He’s also been a solid outside shooter, though we’ll have to see exactly what role he carves out as a backup in this backcourt.

Forward – Jacolb Cole (Freshman)

A wing with great size and athletic ability, Cole is a 4-star recruit from Texas and Missouri who projects as a solid weapon for the Sooners for the next few seasons. He put up impressive stats across the board these last few years, though we’ll see how he adjusts to life in the Big 12.

Forward/Center – Luke Northweather (Freshman)

Considering by some a 3-star prospect, Northweather arrived at Oklahoma last year but took a redshirt season after an injury. He’s got the size and potential to be an impactful center, even at the power conference level, but we’ll have to see how his offensive game develops; this 6’11 big man can certainly hit shots from outside the paint.