OU men’s basketball head coach Porter Moser announces new transfer signees

Oklahoma men’s basketball head coach Porter Moser has officially announced the addition of several transfer signees, injecting a fresh wave of talent, energy, and experience into the Sooners’ program. After a season filled with flashes of promise but marred by inconsistency, Moser and his staff made a concerted effort to overhaul the roster by tapping into the NCAA transfer portal—a growing and powerful tool in today’s college basketball landscape. The new signees not only address key positional needs but also bring valuable veteran leadership and championship-level pedigree that Moser believes will immediately elevate Oklahoma’s competitiveness in the Big 12.

The Sooners, coming off a campaign that saw them finish outside the NCAA Tournament field, knew changes were necessary. Oklahoma’s offense struggled with efficiency in key moments, and its defense lacked the tenacity and versatility needed to contend with the elite competition in the nation’s toughest basketball conference. Moser emphasized that this transfer class wasn’t about just filling out the roster—it was about reshaping the team’s identity.

The most high-profile addition is former Michigan State guard Tre Holloman, a 6-foot-2 floor general with a reputation for elite court vision and perimeter defense. Holloman saw meaningful minutes in Tom Izzo’s system and was a part of several deep postseason runs. Known for his unselfishness and mature approach to the game, Holloman is expected to be the Sooners’ lead facilitator and a vocal locker-room presence. Moser praised his instincts and leadership, citing his Big Ten battle-tested experience as a major asset.

Joining Holloman in the backcourt is sharpshooter Jalen Cone, a graduate transfer from Northern Arizona who previously played at Virginia Tech. Cone brings a lightning-quick release and career averages of over 15 points per game. His ability to space the floor and provide instant offense gives Oklahoma a much-needed scoring punch. Moser highlighted Cone’s “fearless shot-making” and noted that his shooting ability will open up driving lanes for other guards and bigs alike. Cone’s veteran presence also helps fill the leadership void left by departing seniors.

In the frontcourt, the Sooners secured a major win with the commitment of 6-foot-9 forward Emmanuel Ansong, who transferred from Wisconsin-Green Bay before spending a season at Xavier. Ansong is a high-motor player who thrives in transition and brings a relentless energy on the boards. His athleticism and versatility allow him to guard multiple positions, and he’s expected to bring toughness and grit to the front line. Moser emphasized that Ansong’s “do-it-all” style of play fits perfectly into Oklahoma’s new-look system, which emphasizes pace, pressure, and effort.

Another critical addition is 7-foot center Caelum Swinson, who arrives in Norman after spending two seasons at UC Riverside. Swinson is a true rim protector, averaging nearly two blocks per game last season. While raw offensively, his defensive instincts and ability to alter shots in the paint provide the Sooners with an interior anchor they sorely lacked last season. Moser and his staff are confident that with development, Swinson can grow into one of the Big 12’s premier defensive big men.

On the wing, Oklahoma added length and athleticism in the form of Marcus Dockery, a 6-foot-5 transfer from Howard University. Dockery, a former four-star recruit, had a breakout year last season, showcasing his ability to score off the dribble and defend at a high level. His combination of size and skill allows him to slide between the shooting guard and small forward spots, providing the Sooners with much-needed lineup flexibility. Moser described Dockery as “a dynamic two-way player who can impact the game on both ends.”

The transfer class also includes mid-major standout Ryan Nembhard, a 6-foot guard from Creighton, whose blend of quickness and playmaking make him an ideal fit for Moser’s up-tempo offense. Though undersized, Nembhard plays with a chip on his shoulder and brings a high IQ and relentless competitiveness. His ability to push the pace, find teammates, and knock down open jumpers makes him a prime candidate to share backcourt duties with Holloman. Moser sees Nembhard as a “coach on the floor”—someone who can orchestrate the offense and settle the team in pressure moments.

Adding depth to the roster is forwards Jaxson Robinson and Kendall Weaver, both of whom bring size, athleticism, and untapped potential. Robinson, a 6-foot-7 transfer from BYU, is a smooth wing scorer with a silky jump shot and the ability to stretch the floor. His perimeter shooting is expected to be a key weapon off the bench, while Weaver, a bouncy 6-foot-6 forward from UT Arlington, adds another layer of athleticism and defensive versatility. Moser described the pair as “glue guys” who bring skill, work ethic, and a willingness to embrace their roles.

One of the most intriguing additions is JUCO All-American Elvin Henderson, a 6-foot-4 combo guard from Kilgore College. Henderson dominated the junior college circuit, averaging 22 points per game while shooting over 40% from three. A dynamic scorer with an aggressive mentality, Henderson gives Oklahoma another weapon who can create his own shot and score in bunches. Moser sees Henderson as a sleeper in this class—an “under-the-radar talent” with the drive to prove he belongs at the high-major level.

Porter Moser was deliberate in assembling this transfer class. He targeted players who not only filled positional needs, but who also align with the culture and competitive spirit he’s trying to build at Oklahoma. Each transfer comes with unique strengths, but the common denominator is their hunger to win and willingness to buy into the team-first mentality that Moser demands. The staff placed a premium on defensive toughness, basketball IQ, and players who have already been through the grind of college basketball seasons. There’s a clear shift in roster construction, with Moser opting for experience over youth and depth over star power.

The infusion of transfers has created a much deeper and more balanced roster for the Sooners. With multiple ball-handlers, shooters, and switchable defenders, Oklahoma now has the flexibility to play a variety of styles. Whether it’s going small and fast or big and physical, the Sooners have the personnel to adapt and compete with anyone in the Big 12. Moser expressed confidence in the group’s potential but tempered expectations, emphasizing that chemistry and cohesion will be critical.

Moser also credited his staff—assistant coaches Emanuel Dildy, Armon Gates, and Ryan Humphrey—for their tireless work on the recruiting trail. He praised their connections, evaluation skills, and ability to build trust with players during the chaotic transfer process. The staff took a team approach to each recruitment, conducting deep dives on not just basketball ability, but also character, leadership, and off-court habits. That diligence, Moser believes, will pay dividends when the season begins.

This aggressive roster overhaul signals a new chapter for Oklahoma basketball. With the Big 12 continuing to expand and raise its competitive bar, standing pat was not an option. The transfer portal gave Moser a lifeline—and he took full advantage. The new additions represent not just a fresh start, but a potential leap forward for a program eager to reassert itself as a national contender.

Moser knows that bringing in transfers is only part of the equation. Building team chemistry, defining roles, and instilling a winning mentality will take time. But he’s confident that this group has the foundation to surprise people. “We brought in guys who want to be coached hard, who want to win, and who are ready to compete every single day,” he said. “That’s the kind of DNA we need to take this program to the next level.”

As the offseason continues and summer workouts begin, all eyes will be on how this new-look Sooners squad comes together. Expectations are cautiously optimistic in Norman, but with this level of talent, depth, and experience, Porter Moser’s Oklahoma team is poised to make some serious noise in the ever-brutal Big 12 Conference. Whether that translates into a return to March Madness remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the Sooners are reloaded, re-energized, and ready for the next challenge.

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