Porter Moser appeared to land one of the most complete guards remaining in the transfer portal when B.J. Edwards committed to Oklahoma on Aug. 13.
Now, the Sooners may lose him before he ever appears in a game.
The Tennessee Court of Appeals issued an order Wednesday staying the temporary injunction that had given Edwards and several other athletes another season of eligibility. The ruling leaves Edwards ineligible while the appeal moves forward, although his case has not received a final decision.
That distinction offers Oklahoma hope, but it does not provide Moser with the certainty he needs this close to the season.
The man with the Mustangs
Edwards started SMU’s first 28 games last season before an injury ended his campaign. He averaged 12.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.9 assists and supplied the kind of defensive production that can change games.
He was the only Division I player to record three performances with at least 20 points, five rebounds, five assists and five steals.
That is not complementary production. It is the profile of a player Oklahoma could have trusted to initiate the offense, defend the opposing team’s best guard and help on the glass.
What's in Norman?
The Sooners still return double-digit scorers Xzayvier Brown and Derrion Reid, giving Moser two important building blocks. Edwards was supposed to connect the roster around them.
Instead, Oklahoma must temporarily prepare as if he will not be available.
Edwards began his career at Tennessee before playing three seasons at SMU. Across 110 college games, he has averaged 7.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.6 steals. His experience was particularly valuable for a program attempting to climb back into the NCAA Tournament during Moser’s sixth season.
Whats Next?
The appeals court’s order does not mean Edwards’ Oklahoma career is over. It does mean the Sooners constructed part of their roster around a legal outcome they could not control.
Oklahoma knew Edwards’ eligibility was not completely settled when it accepted his commitment. The potential reward made that gamble understandable.
The risk has now arrived.
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