Oklahoma fans will be greeted with a new look in the backcourt next season as leading scorer Javian McCollum has entered the transfer portal. The news comes just two days after fellow point guard Milos Uzan made the same decision, leaving the Sooners without their starting backcourt from the 2023-24 season.
McCollum, a one-year transfer from Siena, averaged a team-high 13.3 points per game and earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention recognition during his time with Oklahoma. The 6-foot-1 guard was a reliable scorer, ranking 17th in the conference and shooting an impressive 94.3% from the free-throw line. He also chipped in with 3.4 assists and 2.6 rebounds per contest.
However, McCollum’s production did fluctuate throughout the season. While averaging a healthy 14.9 points per game in Oklahoma’s wins, that number dipped to 10.6 points per game in their losses. Additionally, his shooting efficiency dipped in Big 12 play compared to non-conference matchups.
McCollum’s departure creates significant roster upheaval for Head Coach Porter Moser entering his fourth year at the helm. This marks the fourth Sooner player to enter the transfer portal since the season ended, including forwards Otega Oweh and John Hugley. With McCollum gone and Uzan transferring, Oklahoma loses both of its starting point guards from a 20-win season.
Looking ahead, the Sooners are left with five open scholarships and a need to address the backcourt. Moser and his staff will likely be active in the transfer portal to fill these spots and potentially add further depth to the roster. While the departures are a blow, it provides an opportunity for Moser to reshape the team as they prepare for their first season in the SEC conference.
Returning players like Jalon Moore, Sam Godwin, and Luke Northweather will be counted on to provide leadership and experience in the upcoming season. Freshmen signees Kuol Atak and Dayton Forsythe will also have a chance to make an immediate impact.
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