OU Basketball: Playing with a ‘Chip’ on Their Shoulder to Break Sweet 16 Drought
For the University of Oklahoma’s men’s basketball team, this season feels different. After years of near-misses and unfulfilled potential, the Sooners are determined to push past their Sweet 16 drought and make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. With an undeniable “chip” on their shoulder, the team is more motivated than ever to prove they belong among the nation’s elite.
Oklahoma’s last Sweet 16 appearance came in 2009, and since then, the program has consistently fallen short of the mark. But this year, there’s a renewed sense of urgency within the squad. Under the guidance of head coach Porter Moser, who took over in 2021, the Sooners have shown resilience, adapting to a fast-paced, aggressive style of play. The team has not only improved offensively but has also developed a defensive mentality, which is key in postseason basketball.
The players have fully embraced the underdog mentality, with many believing the program has been overlooked by national pundits. In interviews, team leaders have expressed the desire to show the world what they’re capable of, using past disappointments as fuel for their drive. The team has rallied around one common goal: to break the Sweet 16 curse and put Oklahoma basketball back on the map.
With an exciting blend of young talent and experienced upperclassmen, the Sooners have the tools to make a serious run this year. As March Madness looms, expect Oklahoma to bring everything they’ve got — fueled by that chip on their shoulder, ready to break free from the chains of a nearly two-decade-long drought.