Porter Moser bolsters the Sooners' frontcourt by adding 6-foot-11 veteran Yaak Yaak, the NBA Global Academy product brings elite size and efficient interior scoring to Norman’s revitalized roster
The Oklahoma Sooners have found a big man with their latest commitment of Yaak Yaak out of Oregon State from the transfer portal.
Yaak comes to Norman, bringing a much-needed presence in the post, standing at 6’11” and 230 pounds.
Last season, Yaak averaged 6.6 points and 2.2 rebounds over 25 games with nine starts. He shot an impressive 51% from the field and 82.9% from the free-throw line.
This is Yaak’s fourth school in his collegiate career, as he enters his final year of eligibility. He began his college days at New Mexico State before transferring to Division-II Colorado Mesa, and then had a one-year stop in Corvallis with the Beavers.
Yaak will also help the Sooners on the defensive end. Last season, he tallied 13 total blocks.
Prior to his college days, Yaak spent two years as a scholarship holder with the NBA Global Academy, which is an elite training center located at Basketball Australia's Centre of Excellence at the Australia Institute of Sport in Canberra, Australia.
He trained under the supervision of NBA-hired coaches, along with Basketball Australia's Centre of Excellence team and coaches.
Yaak was also selected to attend numerous Basketball Australia Development camps and has won various state championships at the club and high school level.
He represented Australia in the U19 FIBA Basketball World Cup held in Latvia at 17 years old, and averaged 10.8 minutes, 3.0 points, and 2.3 rebounds.
Yaak was chosen to represent the state of South Australia in U16s, U18s, and U20s Australian Junior Championships.
Entering the offseason, Oklahoma Sooners head coach Porter Moser was looking to at size down-low, as it was looking to be a weakness. A few weeks later, the frontcourt now appears to be a strength for OU.
Last week, the Sooners added former Washington Wizards G-League center Akoldah Gak. With his 6’11” frame, Gak is likely to start at center this upcoming season.
It doesn’t stop with Gak and Yaak either.
Oklahoma also signed Khani Rooths out of Louisville, who stands at 6 '10”, which should give the Sooners plenty of depth down low.
The Sooners’ frontcourt rotation should consist of Yaak, Gak, Rooths, as well as returning forwards Derrion Reid and Kai Rogers, as well as freshman Gage Mayfield.
Yaak is the fifth player to sign with the Sooners from the transfer portal. He joins not just Gak and Rooths, but also guard Tyler Hendricks from Utah Valley and guard Pop Isaacs from Texas A&M.