Amidst Oklahoma’s tough start to the SEC campaign, Mohamed Wague is emerging as a beacon of hope with his impressive defensive play against Georgia.
Standing tall at 6-foot-10, Wague made significant contributions in the paint, showcasing his defensive prowess with two blocked shots and three steals. His 15 minutes on the court marked a personal high over the past month since he last played 17 minutes in a win over Alcorn State.
“You impacted us,” Sooners coach Porter Moser praised Wague after the challenging encounter with the Bulldogs. “You impacted our team.”
Wague’s influence has been one of the promising aspects during OU’s current three-game losing streak to open SEC play. This four-year veteran had bounced from Alabama to West Virginia and Harcum College before finding his way to Norman, contributing 29 minutes over the last two outings.
Offensively, Wague added value by scoring 10 points on 4-of-5 shooting in what was undeniably a tough road atmosphere against Georgia.
“You’ve just got to stay ready for whenever your number gets called,” Wague noted. “You’ve got to be ready to give everything you’ve got and just try to help the team win.”
Inconsistency has been a theme this season, affecting playing time, as Moser indicated. Yet, Wague appears to be finding his rhythm, making a significant impact whenever he’s on the court and becoming a valued option behind starter Sam Godwin.
While preparing for the upcoming battle against Texas, it’s clear Moser appreciates Wague’s mental shift, highlighting his athleticism and versatility against the type of formidable big men they encounter in SEC play.
“He’s just going to be great at what he does,” Moser declared. “Mo covered a lot of ground defensively with a length and aggression. Even if he doesn’t get it, he’s bringing it on the backside defense. I thought it was contagious.”
Wague’s basketball journey, from leading Frederick Douglass Academy to a NYC Public School Championship to his stints at various colleges, illustrates a path marked by growth and perseverance. After charting a course through junior college and learning under Bob Huggins at West Virginia, Wague played a role on Alabama’s Final Four squad last season.
But what drew Wague to Oklahoma?
The Sooners boast a roster filled with seasoned players like him. Alongside Wague is sixth-year guard Brycen Goodine, who accumulated experience at Syracuse, Providence, and Fairfield. Other teammates have similarly diverse backgrounds, reinforcing the family-like atmosphere that attracted Wague to Norman.
“It was the coaches and the players we have on the roster,” Wague shared. “When I came in on my visit, I met a couple of them, and it was like a family environment. That’s what I liked about it.”
Despite initial concerns over a stress fracture, Moser recognized Wague’s potential. His length and athleticism were highly valued additions captured through the transfer portal.
“Length, athleticism and size are a premium in the portal,” Moser noted. “I mean, he played for Coach Huggins, played for (Alabama coach Nate Oats) and was in the Final Four.”
As Oklahoma seeks to reverse their fortunes and make a push toward the NCAA Tournament, hosting Texas presents a crucial opportunity.
Though facing a string of defeats, Moser remains optimistic about his squad, especially with Wague’s potential role in turning the tide.
“I just come in and play basketball,” Wague asserted. “Whatever role I get, that’s what I’m going to do my best in.”
