Transfer Portal 2025

Looks well above the rim to me


I recognize this is all semantics so I can see both sides of it, but to me the term "above the rim player" typically has more to do with vertical jump than it does dunking ability. For example, Marc Gasol could dunk and block shots but I don't think anyone was referring to him as an above the rim player. Conversely, Russell Westbrook is a guard but many people refer to him as an above the rim player. Hopefully that distinction clarifies what I'm trying to say.

Rogers absolutely can be a force down low with his size and reported 7'4" wingspan. He seems to be really good at positioning himself around the rim and understanding leverage. I think the people saying that he is a below the rim player are referring to the explosion or lack there of in comparison with other players. That being said, he doesn't have to be super explosive if he's already almost at the rim just by putting his arms in the air.
 
I recognize this is all semantics so I can see both sides of it, but to me the term "above the rim player" typically has more to do with vertical jump than it does dunking ability. For example, Marc Gasol could dunk and block shots but I don't think anyone was referring to him as an above the rim player. Conversely, Russell Westbrook is a guard but many people refer to him as an above the rim player. Hopefully that distinction clarifies what I'm trying to say.

Rogers absolutely can be a force down low with his size and reported 7'4" wingspan. He seems to be really good at positioning himself around the rim and understanding leverage. I think the people saying that he is a below the rim player are referring to the explosion or lack there of in comparison with other players. That being said, he doesn't have to be super explosive if he's already almost at the rim just by putting his arms in the air.

Being quick off your feet and being able to double jump separates the top bigs. Broome and Timme weren't great vertically, but good enough and quick off their feet. This kid looks to be quick off his feet and has good length. Those highlights were bs plays, but he has the physical tools needed.
 
I was told weeks ago he couldn’t jump.
Will the guys with the vertical leap apparatus be the ones guarding him next season? Any of those clips show how fast he is off the floor for a second or third jump, or from a stationary position?
 
To be fair, you get way more info on this board than anywhere. This plus a sprinkle of Trilly gets you more than any other site.

Maybe we can have a ChatGPT plug-in that summarizes the commentary of a few posters here into an article.

Our ChatGPT beat writer will be called, Tilly Bubbs.

🏀

April 15, 2025 | The Wayman Tisdale Men’s Hoops Board Digest

As the Oklahoma Sooners continue to work the 2025 transfer portal, one name has dominated recent fan conversations: Kai Rogers, the highly-touted freshman center recruit. The forums are buzzing with opinions — ranging from sky-high optimism to tempered skepticism — as fans debate whether Rogers can be the big man Oklahoma has long been missing.


🔍 Rogers: The Next Great Big?​

A large portion of the fanbase believes Rogers is ready to contribute right away — and potentially dominate. With a strong high school résumé, massive frame, and improved conditioning, he’s drawn comparisons to Sooner legends.

“Man idk how he doesn't start… this guy could be on BG's level imo. Call me crazy I don’t care.”austing7
(“BG” refers to Blake Griffin — a bold but telling comparison.)
“He’s one of the best recruits we’ve had in years. Especially for a big. He’s our starter all day long.”hoopsaustin
There’s excitement about his physical profile and upside, especially for a team that’s lacked a true rim protector and post presence in recent years. As SunshinePumper put it:

“We are starving for a good C. He looks the part man.”

🤔 But Is He Ready Now?​

Others are pumping the brakes. Rogers’ free throw struggles (40% in AAU) and “below the rim” athleticism have raised concerns about how well his high school dominance will translate against older, stronger SEC bigs.

“Guys like that can still be good players, obviously, but it usually requires good footwork and good touch.”WichitaSooner
Some fans see him as more of a developmental piece than a day-one starter:

“We just need an insurance policy at the 5. Rogers should be good for 5–10 minutes a game…”pnkranger
There’s also some distrust in Porter Moser’s willingness to play freshmen, after questionable rotations last season.

“If he’s not starting by game 10, I’ll be shocked… but then again, PM pulled that dumb crap with Godwin over Wague all year.”Jccouger

🧠 Broader Frontcourt Frustration​

Amidst the Rogers debate, fans continue to express exasperation over OU’s historic issues recruiting and developing big men:

“Who knew there were this many guys on the planet over 6'10? Makes you wonder how we have gone 30 years without decent bigs.”cowboysooner
Portal shopping lists are being circulated, but there’s a sense that Rogers’ development could be crucial — not just for this year, but for future roster stability. If he doesn’t get minutes, a transfer-out scenario isn’t off the table.


📊 What’s Next?​

As the portal churns and summer workouts near, all eyes will be on whether Moser brings in a veteran 5 to pair with Rogers — or bets on the freshman from day one.

In the meantime, the Kai Rogers hype train has left the station. Whether it's headed toward Blake Griffin 2.0 or another wait-and-see big, Sooner Nation is ready to find out.
 
Will the guys with the vertical leap apparatus be the ones guarding him next season? Any of those clips show how fast he is off the floor for a second or third jump, or from a stationary position?
I'm willing to entertain most of your negative knee-jerks, but the guy is 240 pounds jumping 34 inches with a 7'4" wingspan. Even if he only jumps once, he's going to come down with his fair share of boards.
 

🏀

April 15, 2025 | The Wayman Tisdale Men’s Hoops Board Digest

As the Oklahoma Sooners continue to work the 2025 transfer portal, one name has dominated recent fan conversations: Kai Rogers, the highly-touted freshman center recruit. The forums are buzzing with opinions — ranging from sky-high optimism to tempered skepticism — as fans debate whether Rogers can be the big man Oklahoma has long been missing.


🔍 Rogers: The Next Great Big?​

A large portion of the fanbase believes Rogers is ready to contribute right away — and potentially dominate. With a strong high school résumé, massive frame, and improved conditioning, he’s drawn comparisons to Sooner legends.



There’s excitement about his physical profile and upside, especially for a team that’s lacked a true rim protector and post presence in recent years. As SunshinePumper put it:



🤔 But Is He Ready Now?​

Others are pumping the brakes. Rogers’ free throw struggles (40% in AAU) and “below the rim” athleticism have raised concerns about how well his high school dominance will translate against older, stronger SEC bigs.


Some fans see him as more of a developmental piece than a day-one starter:


There’s also some distrust in Porter Moser’s willingness to play freshmen, after questionable rotations last season.



🧠 Broader Frontcourt Frustration​

Amidst the Rogers debate, fans continue to express exasperation over OU’s historic issues recruiting and developing big men:


Portal shopping lists are being circulated, but there’s a sense that Rogers’ development could be crucial — not just for this year, but for future roster stability. If he doesn’t get minutes, a transfer-out scenario isn’t off the table.


📊 What’s Next?​

As the portal churns and summer workouts near, all eyes will be on whether Moser brings in a veteran 5 to pair with Rogers — or bets on the freshman from day one.

In the meantime, the Kai Rogers hype train has left the station. Whether it's headed toward Blake Griffin 2.0 or another wait-and-see big, Sooner Nation is ready to find out.
This is amazing. Thank you for this lol
 
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