Oklahoma HC Porter Moser, F Jalon Moore, and G Jeremiah Fears’ Full Thursday Press Conference Ahead of the Sooners’ NCAA Tournament 1st Round Matchup vs UConn
Ahead of Oklahoma’s highly anticipated first-round matchup against UConn in the NCAA Tournament, head coach Porter Moser, forward Jalon Moore, and guard Jeremiah Fears addressed the media on Thursday. The Sooners are set to face off against one of the nation’s premier programs in a game that will have significant implications for their season. With the excitement and intensity of March Madness on the horizon, the press conference provided key insights into the team’s mindset, preparations, and confidence as they prepare for this monumental challenge.
Here’s a breakdown of the major points discussed during the press conference:
Opening Remarks by Head Coach Porter Moser
Porter Moser opened the press conference by acknowledging the significance of the upcoming matchup against UConn, a team that has been a dominant force in college basketball for years. Moser spoke about the level of respect he has for the UConn program but emphasized that his team is focused and ready to compete at the highest level.
“We know the challenge we’re facing with UConn,” Moser began. “They’re a tremendous program with a rich tradition. But for us, it’s about playing our game and focusing on what we can control. March Madness is about finding that one moment, that one play, and making it count. We’ve got a lot of respect for them, but we’ve got a team that’s built to make noise in this tournament, and we’re ready for the challenge.”
Coach Moser also spoke about the importance of staying mentally sharp and composed in such a high-stakes environment, particularly when going up against a team with UConn’s pedigree.
“We’ve been preparing all year for moments like this, and now it’s time to go out there and execute,” he said. “It’s all about staying focused, trusting our system, and making plays when it matters most.”
Jalon Moore on the Team’s Preparation and Mindset
When asked about the team’s preparation and mindset heading into the tournament, forward Jalon Moore expressed a calm yet determined confidence. Moore, a key player for the Sooners, highlighted the importance of keeping a level head and not getting overwhelmed by the magnitude of the moment.
“We’ve been through a lot this season, both the highs and the lows,” Moore said. “But what we’ve learned is that if we play our game, stick to the basics, and communicate, we can compete with anyone. UConn is a great team, but we’re focused on executing our game plan and doing what we do best.”
Moore also spoke about the experience of playing in such a prestigious event, noting that while the stakes are high, the focus should remain on executing the fundamentals.
“As a team, we know the magnitude of the tournament,” Moore continued. “But we can’t get lost in the moment. We’ve prepared for this all year, and we need to stay disciplined. It’s about playing our brand of basketball, defending hard, and executing offensively.”
Jeremiah Fears on Facing UConn’s Star Power
Guard Jeremiah Fears was next to speak, and he provided insights into how the team is preparing to face a UConn team that boasts significant star power. Fears, known for his ability to create plays and provide leadership on the floor, mentioned the key to stopping UConn’s high-powered offense and dynamic players.
“We know UConn has a lot of talent, especially with some of their top guys, but it all comes down to defense,” Fears explained. “We’ve got to disrupt their rhythm, make them work for every shot, and stay locked in. They’re a tough team, but if we’re aggressive defensively and communicate, we can force them into tough situations.”
Fears also noted the importance of team chemistry and playing unselfishly, stressing that success in March requires the ability to play as a unit and not rely solely on individual efforts.
“It’s about playing as a team. We have to stay connected on both ends of the floor,” Fears added. “Everyone’s got to contribute. We’ve got to make the extra pass, make the right play, and stay focused. When we play together, we’re tough to beat.”
Coach Moser on UConn’s Strengths and Keys to Victory
With UConn’s reputation for its strong defense, rebounding, and efficient offense, Coach Moser was asked about the specific challenges the Sooners will face in this matchup. Moser highlighted UConn’s depth, experience, and balanced offensive attack as key areas the Sooners will need to focus on.
“They do a lot of things well,” Moser noted. “They’re tough on both ends, and they’re deep. They don’t just have one or two guys; they’ve got multiple players who can hurt you. So, we’ve got to focus on limiting their second-chance points, contesting shots, and playing solid defense without fouling.”
Moser also pointed out the importance of playing at a fast pace to disrupt UConn’s rhythm and avoid being drawn into a half-court game.
“We want to push the pace. We’ve got to try to speed them up and make them play in transition. If we let them settle into their half-court sets, they’ll make us pay. But if we’re able to get up and down the court, make them defend in different ways, it plays to our strengths.”
Looking Ahead: The Sooners’ Confidence Heading Into the Tournament
As the press conference wrapped up, both Moore and Fears spoke confidently about the Sooners’ chances in the NCAA Tournament. Both players mentioned that while they respect the challenge posed by UConn, they are fully prepared to battle it out with the top programs in the country.
Moore summed it up by saying, “This is what we’ve worked for all season. We’re ready for this. We know the tournament is about who can withstand the pressure, who can make plays when it matters. We’ve got the talent, the experience, and the mindset to make a deep run. It’s about executing and playing our brand of basketball.”
Fears echoed his teammate’s sentiments, adding, “March is all about taking it one game at a time. We’re not worried about anything else but that first game. We know UConn is a tough team, but we’re confident in ourselves and what we can do.”
Oklahoma Ready to Take On UConn
The Oklahoma Sooners are gearing up for what promises to be a thrilling first-round matchup against UConn in the NCAA Tournament. With head coach Porter Moser leading the way, and players like Jalon Moore and Jeremiah Fears bringing leadership and talent, Oklahoma is poised to give one of the top programs in the nation a run for their money.
The Sooners are confident in their preparation and their ability to execute on both ends of the floor. As the tournament begins, Oklahoma will look to make a statement and advance deeper into March Madness, with their eyes firmly set on proving that they belong among the best in college basketball.