Oklahoma head coach Porter Moser is preparing for a pivotal challenge, one that involves facing a school with deep connections to his own coaching journey. Moser, who spent time as an assistant at Texas A&M, will be leading his team into a high-stakes matchup against the Aggies, a squad renowned for its strength on the boards. However, his focus isn’t on nostalgia or past associations with A&M but rather on the glaring issue that has been plaguing his team: rebounding.
Oklahoma suffered a devastating loss last Saturday to Alabama, a game where the Sooners were completely outmuscled on the glass. They were beaten 51-26 in total rebounds, with Alabama snaring 22 offensive boards — an area that Moser considers to be one of the most critical for his team’s success. The loss was especially frustrating because Moser and his staff had emphasized rebounding throughout the season, yet the Sooners’ inability to compete on the boards proved to be their downfall.
“Obviously, it’s an issue with us,” Moser said, admitting that the rebounding performance against Alabama was unacceptable. He noted that his team had previously faced some of the nation’s top teams in rebounding, including Arizona and Michigan, but the result in the Alabama game was particularly difficult to swallow. He emphasized that when the Sooners are even on the boards or not severely out-rebounded, they have a fighting chance. But against Alabama, the disparity was so wide that it simply wasn’t possible to overcome.
This week, Oklahoma faces a Texas A&M team that ranks fifth nationally in rebounding margin and first in offensive rebounds per game. The Aggies’ prowess on the boards is a major concern for Moser and his team. Texas A&M’s rebounding dominance, which has been a hallmark of their success, presents an even greater challenge for an Oklahoma team that is still struggling to match up in this critical area.
“[A&M] is literally the best in the country,” Moser remarked, acknowledging the formidable task ahead. He understands that if his team doesn’t make substantial improvements in this area, they’ll face another tough loss. Rebounding is one of the few aspects of the game that remains consistent, regardless of the team’s overall performance. A team can win or lose based on its ability to secure those extra possessions or limit the opponent’s chances by controlling the boards.
Moser’s coaching philosophy has always been rooted in the fundamentals of basketball, and rebounding is a cornerstone of that approach. Since his arrival at Oklahoma in 2021, Moser has relied heavily on the wisdom he gained during his time under Rick Majerus, a mentor who greatly influenced his coaching career. Majerus, the former head coach at Saint Louis, was known for his strict emphasis on rebounding and for instilling a mindset that players couldn’t afford to neglect any aspect of the game, including rebounding.
In preparation for the Texas A&M game, Moser reflected on some of the lessons he learned from Majerus. He recalled one of his mentor’s key points about the importance of guards contributing to rebounding. According to Moser, Majerus would often say, “If you’re on the perimeter as a guard, you can’t sit there and watch, you’ve got to crash the glass.” Moser repeated this sentiment to his players in practice this week, stressing the need for every player, no matter their position, to contribute to the rebounding effort.
“You can’t play 13 minutes and have one rebound,” Moser said, reiterating Majerus’ philosophy. “You can’t. And we’ve called guys out, we’ve challenged them.” Moser’s approach is one of accountability and tough love, which he believes is necessary if his team is going to improve in this area. He pointed out that the rebounding issues are not just the responsibility of the big men down low but of every player on the floor. Guards, who often get left out of the conversation about rebounding, must also step up and help secure those critical boards. Moser has challenged his players to do just that: to take ownership of their role in the rebounding effort.
The message is clear: Oklahoma cannot afford to continue neglecting its rebounding duties. If they hope to stand a chance against Texas A&M’s relentless attack on the glass, they will need to have a collective commitment to crashing the boards, limiting second-chance opportunities, and securing those key possessions. Moser’s team will need to be physical and disciplined, recognizing that winning the battle on the boards can often determine the outcome of a game.
The match against Texas A&M also presents an opportunity for Moser to prove that his program is capable of bouncing back after adversity. It’s one thing to talk about improving, but the true test comes in games like these, where the Sooners will have to face one of the nation’s best teams at the exact moment they’re trying to correct their flaws. Rebounding is something that can be improved with focus and determination, and Moser will be looking for that commitment from his team. If the Sooners can meet the challenge, it will be a statement victory for a program that has shown flashes of potential but still has a lot to prove.
For Moser, this game is more than just a contest against an opponent; it’s about setting the tone for how his program will respond to adversity and the emphasis on the fundamentals of basketball. The fight for every rebound represents much more than just one stat — it symbolizes the grit, discipline, and toughness Moser is trying to instill in his players. If Oklahoma can show improvement in this area, it will not only boost their chances of success in this game but also reinforce Moser’s vision for the program as a whole.
With Texas A&M coming to town, Oklahoma’s rebounding efforts will be put to the test once again. The Sooners have a long way to go to match the level of dominance that the Aggies possess in this area, but Moser is hopeful that his players will rise to the occasion. As he continues to challenge his team and push them to grow, Moser remains confident that with the right mindset, Oklahoma can overcome its rebounding struggles and become a more complete team.
In the end, this game against Texas A&M is about more than just one statistic. It’s a chance for Moser and his team to prove that they are capable of adapting, growing, and meeting the challenges that come their way. Rebounding may have been an issue in the past, but it’s clear that Oklahoma is taking the necessary steps to address it. With a renewed focus on crashing the glass, the Sooners are poised to make their mark in what is sure to be a physical, hard-fought contest.
