Pelicans scout Jarrett Sutton unveils why Oklahoma Sooners Men's Basketball is a prime coaching opportunity, despite current struggles, a hidden gem awaiting the right hire
The Oklahoma Sooners men's basketball program is navigating a challenging chapter in the 2025-26 season. As of early February 2026, the team holds an 11-12 overall record and a struggling 1-9 mark in SEC play, including a nine-game conference losing streak.
Recent setbacks, such as a 94-78 road loss to Kentucky on February 4, have amplified concerns about head coach Porter Moser's future.
With the Sooners at the bottom of the SEC standings and no clear signs of a turnaround, speculation is growing that Moser may not return next season after five years at the helm.
This week on The Jones Report, host Tyler Jones—publisher of Sooners Roundtable—welcomed Jarrett Sutton, a scout for the New Orleans Pelicans and a former Missouri Tiger.
Sutton's background gives him unique insight: he competed against Oklahoma in the Big 12 and has scouted their talent pipeline extensively in his NBA role. Notably, he now works with former Sooner Jeremiah Fears, a top-10 draft pick and one-and-done prospect who was recently drafted by the Pelicans.
Despite the current downturn, Sutton delivered an upbeat assessment of the Oklahoma head coaching position, viewing it as a hidden gem with significant upside.
He argued that the program is just one strong hire away from reclaiming its status as a top contender, particularly in the increasingly competitive SEC. Sutton emphasized several key advantages that make the job appealing:
- A proven track record of producing NBA talent: Oklahoma has consistently attracted and developed high-level players. Sutton highlighted top players like Blake Griffin, Trae Young, and Jeremiah Fears, others have also included names such as Austin Reaves, Buddy Hield, and Elijah Harkless. "You look at players that have come through there," he said. "Blake Griffin, Trae Young, Jeremiah Fears... They can get talent in that place." He noted the challenges of rebuilding around a one-and-done like Fears but praised the program's ability to lure elite recruits to Norman regardless of never winning a national title.
- Facilities upgrade in progress: The aging Lloyd Noble Center has drawn criticism for years, but progress is underway. In early February 2026, the Oklahoma Supreme Court cleared the path for the $1.2 billion Rock Creek Entertainment District project in Norman, which includes a modern, approximately 8,000-seat arena for men's and women's basketball plus gymnastics. This multi-use development—with hotels, restaurants, and entertainment—promises to enhance recruiting, fan experience, and game-day atmosphere. Sutton, familiar with the current building from his playing days, welcomed the news: “First off, I’m glad they are getting a new building... I think it was time.”
- Prime location and conference momentum: Norman remains a quintessential college town with deep connections to Oklahoma City, fostering a passionate fan base. Sutton recalled the electric crowds during the Blake Griffin era: “I remember playing there when they got it going, and it got loud in that building.” He also lauded the SEC's evolution into a powerhouse basketball league that "proved itself last year," offering elite recruiting opportunities and high-level competition.
Sutton acknowledged internal frustrations—close games that don't translate to wins and unmet expectations—but stayed optimistic: “I think it’s a good job. Norman is a true college town, it’s connected to Oklahoma City... It can be a good job, especially in the SEC.”
In today's NIL landscape, he stressed that sustained success will require strong buy-in from the donor base to match budgets and resources: “This is as good of a league as it gets in terms of being able to recruit talent... In an NIL world, it’s going to come down to your budget, your investment and your resources.”
For the next coach, Sutton's perspective suggests Oklahoma offers a rare blend of tradition, location, incoming infrastructure, and conference positioning—far from a rebuild from scratch.
The full conversation provides deeper insights and is available now on The Jones Report via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms.
As the Sooners look ahead, voices like Sutton's highlight why the program could rebound swiftly with the right leadership and renewed commitment.