The Oklahoma Sooners men’s basketball team has electrified the start of the 2024-25 season with an unbeaten 7-0 record, including a dominant first-place finish at the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament. This stellar performance earned the Sooners a spot in the AP Top 25 for the first time this season, debuting at No. 21.
Rapid Rise in Rankings
AP Poll: Oklahoma joins an elite group as one of eight SEC teams ranked, including powerhouses like Auburn (No. 2) and Tennessee (No. 3). The Sooners’ climb from receiving no votes last year highlights the impressive turnaround under head coach Porter Moser.
KenPom Rankings: The Sooners hold the No. 41 spot with a +16.77 rating, factoring in offensive efficiency, defensive performance, and strength of schedule. They rank ninth among SEC teams in this analytic system.
NET Rankings: In the NCAA’s first NET release of the season, Oklahoma is positioned at No. 37, bolstered by a key quad-one win against Louisville.
Key Wins Driving Success
Oklahoma’s undefeated run includes victories over high-profile opponents:
Louisville (Quad-One Win): A signature triumph showcasing their resilience.
Arizona and Providence: Quad-two and quad-three wins that solidify their competitive edge.
Four Quad-Four Wins: Building confidence with dominant performances against lesser-ranked teams.
Building Momentum Toward SEC Play
As Oklahoma gears up for its inaugural SEC season starting January 4 against Alabama, the Sooners face six more non-conference matchups, including a notable clash with Georgia Tech in the ACC-SEC Challenge.
Eyes on the Big Dance
The Sooners’ transformation from missing the NCAA Tournament since 2020-21 to being a serious contender this season is turning heads. If they maintain or elevate their current metrics, a return to March Madness seems well within reach.
With this hot start, Oklahoma is proving it belongs among the nation’s top programs. Can they keep the momentum rolling and make a statement in their new conference?
