Oklahoma Sooners Men's Basketball head coach Porter Moser bolsters the squad, adding length and veteran scoring through a strategic five-player haul designed to weaponize defensive athleticism without sacrificing elite offensive efficiency
Oklahoma Sooners head coach Porter Moser expressed strong optimism about his program's latest additions via the transfer portal, emphasizing how the new players align with his vision for sustained offensive excellence and significant defensive improvement.
Entering his sixth season at OU, Moser highlighted a strategic approach focused on length, athleticism, and experience to compete in the SEC.
"I think we did a great job addressing our needs and meshing that with the way we want to play," said Moser.
"We approached the portal with a mindset of trying to be longer defensively while maintaining pace and space on offense, which helped us lead the SEC in 3-point shooting percentage last season. We were 18th in the country in offensive efficiency, and we feel like we'll be able to maintain that level of play on that end of the court while making a big jump defensively due to improved length and athleticism."
The Sooners added two guards, a forward, and two centers, each bringing specific skills that Moser believes will elevate the team on both ends of the floor.
Tyler Hendricks (Guard, Utah Valley)
Moser sees guard Tyler Hendricks as a versatile addition capable of contributing immediately. Hendricks brings valuable Big 12 experience and shooting prowess to a backcourt that already led the conference in three-point accuracy.
"Tyler is going to positively impact us on both ends of the floor. He brings length and a strong mentality on defense and is a very capable shooter from long range. I like that he's older and gained experience in the Big 12. He gives us another long and athletic guard. We led the SEC in 3-point shooting last year and Tyler will help us continue to be good there with his ability to play with pace, space and shoot with range," Moser stated.
Pop Isaacs (Guard, Texas A&M)
Veteran scorer Pop Isaacs joins the fold after time at Texas Tech and Texas A&M. Moser, familiar with facing him, is thrilled to have Isaacs' scoring ability and SEC knowledge on his side.
"We're really familiar with Pop, having faced him when he was at Texas Tech and Texas A&M. He's been a consistent, high-level scorer throughout his career, and he does it at all three levels. I just love his experience and that he knows the SEC. He's a terrific competitor and I'm excited he's on our side now and we don't have to play against him anymore," Moser said.
Khani Rooths (Forward, Louisville)
At around 6-9 or 6-10, forward Khani Rooths embodies the athletic, lengthy profile Moser targeted. His mobility and competitive fire stood out to the coaching staff.
"Khani fits everything we're trying to do and be in terms of pace of play, athletic ability and having length on defense. He's a fierce competitor, which is something you absolutely need in the SEC. His mobility at 6-9, 6-10 is special, and he's effective because he combines that with toughness and a competitive edge," explained Moser.
Akoldah Gak (Center, G-League)
Center Akoldah Gak arrives with professional experience from Australia and the G League's Capital City Go-Go. Moser praised his fit in Oklahoma's five-out system and defensive versatility.
"AK has played at a high level in Australia and most recently with the G League's Capital City Go-Go. He plays the modern five-out offense like we play. He's extremely mobile and gives us a great defensive presence, especially around the rim. What drew us to him is his versatility and mobility. I love how he effective he is at screen-and-roll offense, the pace at which he's able to play and his ability to run the floor," Moser noted.
Yaak Yaak (Center, Oregon State)
The addition of 6-11, 250-pound post player Yaak Yaak provides much-needed depth and physicality inside. Moser pointed to successful SEC teams' emphasis on post depth as a key reason for targeting him.
"One thing we've seen from some of the best teams in the SEC is depth at the post position. At 6-11, 250, Yaak brings us physicality and depth in the post. I think he has a great upside in terms of his skill and ability to shoot. He's also shown an ability to duck in and post up and will bring a defensive presence and help us on the glass," said Moser.
Overall, Moser's comments paint a picture of a roster refresh designed for balance.
The Sooners aim to preserve their elite offensive efficiency, anchored by pace, spacing, and perimeter shooting, while addressing defensive shortcomings through added length, athleticism, and rim protection.
With experienced transfers like Isaacs and Hendricks, plus mobile bigs in Gak and Yaak, and the versatile Rooths, Oklahoma appears poised for a more complete roster in 2026-27.
Moser’s enthusiasm underscores a deliberate portal strategy: complementing returning talent with pieces that fit his preferred style without sacrificing the offensive identity that made OU competitive last season.
As the SEC continues to evolve into a gauntlet of length and athleticism, these additions signal Moser's intent to not just keep pace, but to elevate the program's trajectory.
Expect a longer, more physical Sooners squad that retains its trademark shooting and tempo while improving rebounding, rim defense, and overall toughness.