Porter Moser and the Oklahoma coaching staff secured a major commitment on Friday when highly regarded recruit Kai Rogers announced that he would be joining the Sooners. Rogers, a four-star prospect and ranked among the top 100 players in the 2025 recruiting class, represents a significant addition to the program’s future. His decision to commit to Oklahoma adds to the momentum Moser has been building despite the team’s absence from the NCAA tournament in each of the last three seasons. Rogers now becomes part of an impressive incoming class that already includes Alec Blair, a top-100 small forward from California, as well as Andrea Hoist, one of the top international prospects.
This commitment highlights the progress the Sooners have made on the recruiting front, and it’s a notable win for Moser, whose coaching career in Norman has been marked by challenges but also steady improvements, particularly in talent acquisition. Rogers’ commitment is a significant building block for the Sooners as they continue to develop their program, and it underscores Oklahoma’s growing appeal to top-tier high school talent despite missing out on the NCAA tournament in recent years.
Rogers had several prestigious programs vying for his services. His recruiting list included major schools like Florida State, Cincinnati, Georgetown, Indiana, Iowa, Texas, Illinois, and DePaul. The fact that he chose Oklahoma over these prominent programs speaks to the trust he has in Moser’s vision and the opportunity for growth within the Sooners’ basketball system.
As a player, Rogers is somewhat of a throwback in today’s era of modern basketball, where the emphasis is often placed on positionless play, floor spacing, and three-point shooting. However, Rogers stands out as a traditional big man who thrives in the post. Unlike many players today who stretch the floor as stretch fours or stretch fives, Rogers is a true center who excels when his back is to the basket. He uses a combination of soft hands, a quick first step, and a refined hook shot to consistently score over defenders. His ability to dominate in the paint, particularly with his back to the basket, makes him a powerful presence down low and a threat on both sides of the court.
Though Rogers can occasionally step out to face the basket and attack defenders off the dribble, his primary strength lies in his post play. That being said, his game isn’t limited to just one aspect of the court. He’s a versatile player who can make plays in a variety of ways, particularly when given space to operate. However, Rogers still has areas for growth. His game will only improve as he gets stronger and becomes more consistent with his intensity on the floor. With more experience and the right development at the collegiate level, Rogers has a high ceiling and could be poised to make a significant impact in college basketball.
One area where Oklahoma has struggled under Moser’s leadership has been around the rim. While the Sooners have had their challenges in terms of rim protection and interior scoring, Rogers’ presence could prove to be a game-changer. With his ability to dominate in the paint, defend the basket, and run the floor, Rogers is well-suited to step in and immediately contribute to the Sooners’ needs. His interior scoring will help take pressure off Oklahoma’s perimeter players, providing a much-needed inside presence that has been lacking in recent years.
Rogers’ style of play is well-suited to what Oklahoma needs as they aim to improve both defensively and offensively in the paint. His ability to protect the rim and provide consistent scoring inside could be a key factor in helping the Sooners become a more well-rounded team. With a player like Rogers, Oklahoma will be able to compete in the post and in transition, adding another dimension to their offensive attack. This will allow them to spread the floor more effectively, relieve some of the pressure on their perimeter players, and make them a much more balanced team overall.
In summary, the addition of Kai Rogers is a major win for Porter Moser and the Oklahoma basketball program. His commitment strengthens the Sooners’ recruiting class and provides a potential impact player who can contribute immediately. As a traditional center with the ability to dominate in the post, Rogers’ skill set fits well with Oklahoma’s needs and could address some of the team’s biggest challenges. His continued development and ability to adjust to the collegiate level will likely determine how high his ceiling is, but there is no doubt that he brings significant potential to Norman. With Rogers leading the charge in the paint, Oklahoma is poised to build a more balanced, competitive team in the seasons to come.
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