As the University of Oklahoma men’s basketball team prepares for their upcoming matchup against Vanderbilt, one thing is clear: the Sooners have a pressing issue to address if they are to remain competitive in the Big 12 and beyond—rebounding. The team’s struggles on the boards have been evident in recent games, and they will need to correct these weaknesses quickly as they prepare for a tough opponent in the Vanderbilt Commodores.
### Rebounding Challenges So Far
Rebounding is often seen as one of the most critical aspects of basketball. It can be the difference between getting an extra possession and losing an opportunity to score, or between stifling the opposing team’s offense and allowing them to gain momentum. Oklahoma’s rebounding issues have been a point of concern early in the season, particularly on the defensive glass. The Sooners have often found themselves outmuscled and out-positioned under the basket, allowing opponents to snare offensive boards and create second-chance opportunities.
Looking at recent performances, it’s clear that Oklahoma’s lack of rebounding efficiency is impacting their overall game plan. In matchups where they’ve been outrebounded, they’ve often struggled to generate fast-break points and have found themselves fighting to keep pace as the opposing team racks up extra possessions.
In their last game against a physical opponent, the Sooners were outrebounded by a margin of 10, a deficit that is difficult to overcome against strong competition. For a team that prides itself on playing an up-tempo style and generating offense from defense, getting beat on the boards disrupts the flow of their game and prevents them from maximizing their strengths.
### Why Rebounding is So Crucial for Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s offense relies heavily on creating open looks from beyond the arc and pushing the ball in transition. Rebounding, particularly on the defensive end, is essential to kick-starting that transition. If the Sooners cannot secure defensive rebounds and push the ball quickly, they risk getting bogged down in half-court sets, where their offensive efficiency tends to drop.
Furthermore, OU’s defense has struggled to limit second-chance points from opponents. These extra possessions can take a toll on any team, but for the Sooners, they seem to have compounded problems with poor shot selection and forced plays, which only leads to more opportunities for their opponents.
On the offensive side, Oklahoma’s ability to secure offensive rebounds has been limited, often preventing them from getting second-chance points. This lack of second-chance opportunities puts additional pressure on their perimeter shooting, forcing them to be almost perfect with their shooting percentage. When their outside shots aren’t falling, they have few other ways to generate easy points. Rebounding, both offensively and defensively, serves as a foundation for any successful basketball team, and right now, Oklahoma’s inability to control the glass is a glaring issue.
### Vandy as a Test for Rebounding
The upcoming game against Vanderbilt will serve as a litmus test for how much progress the Sooners have made in addressing their rebounding struggles. Vanderbilt has a strong, physical frontcourt that will test Oklahoma’s interior defense and rebounding. The Commodores have had success on the boards this season, especially on the offensive glass, where they’ve averaged over 10 offensive rebounds per game.
For Oklahoma to have a chance against Vanderbilt, they’ll need to emphasize physicality from the opening tip. Coach Porter Moser has always focused on building teams that have a tough, gritty edge, and this game will require his players to exhibit just that. They need to fight for every rebound, secure box-outs, and ensure that Vanderbilt doesn’t get easy second-chance points.
Vanderbilt’s size and depth in the post could pose a significant challenge to the Sooners’ ability to rebound. While Oklahoma does have some solid interior players, they’ll need to be aggressive and smart with their positioning to prevent the Commodores from taking over the glass.
### Adjustments for OU
To combat their rebounding struggles, Oklahoma must make some tactical adjustments, both in terms of individual effort and team strategy.
**1. Increased Physicality in the Paint**
Oklahoma needs to bring a greater level of physicality to their rebounding efforts. This means engaging in better box-out techniques, fighting for position, and challenging opponents at the rim without fouling. The Sooners cannot afford to get pushed around by a team like Vanderbilt, which thrives on creating second-chance opportunities. They’ll need players like Tanner Groves and Jalen Hill to be more aggressive and assertive under the basket.
**2. Team Rebounding Effort**
Rebounding is not just the responsibility of the big men—everyone needs to contribute. Guards and wings need to pitch in and help crash the boards, especially in defensive situations. Oklahoma’s guards, like Grant Sherfield, must be more proactive in tracking down long rebounds after missed shots. The ability of their backcourt to help secure rebounds can limit opponents’ second-chance opportunities and help start fast breaks.
**3. Limiting Fouls**
One of the ways teams can improve their rebounding is by limiting foul trouble. When players are constantly in foul trouble, it can lead to a more passive approach to securing rebounds. Keeping players like Groves and Hill on the floor is crucial for Oklahoma, so they must avoid reaching or overcommitting to blocks that could result in fouls.
**4. More Aggressive On-The-Ball Defense**
Part of the reason Oklahoma has struggled with rebounding is that their defense has often been too passive, allowing opposing teams to take comfortable shots. By improving their on-ball defense and forcing contested shots, they can increase the chances of long rebounds, which can then be collected by their bigs or guards. This aggressive defense can disrupt Vanderbilt’s offensive rhythm, making it easier for the Sooners to collect defensive rebounds.
**5. Focusing on Transition Offense**
While improving on the boards is essential, Oklahoma can alleviate some of the pressure by emphasizing their transition game. Getting out on the break and creating fast-break opportunities will allow them to score quickly before the opposing team has a chance to set up a strong defense. This can also reduce the emphasis on having to grind out every possession in the half-court, where their rebounding struggles are most glaring.
### Conclusion
As Oklahoma heads into their matchup with Vanderbilt, it’s clear that their ability to rebound will play a significant role in determining the outcome. The Commodores are a well-coached, physical team, and they will likely capitalize on any weaknesses the Sooners show in terms of rebounding. For Oklahoma, the key to success lies in their ability to improve their physicality, teamwork, and overall effort on the glass. If they can make these adjustments and control the boards, they’ll have a much better chance of winning the game and building momentum for the rest of the season. With their next opponent right around the corner, Oklahoma’s focus must be on coming together as a team and finding ways to combat their rebounding struggles before it’s too late.
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