Getting to know the Sooners: Sam Godwin
Sooners basketball season is just around the corner, and it’s OK if you need a primer of who these guys are. Now in year No. 3 at Oklahoma, head coach Porter Moser is confident the program has checked all the boxes to make an NCAA run.
Here is a brief overview of some of the key pieces for OU for the 2023-24 season.
OU begins its season next Monday vs. Central Michigan in Norman.
Forward Sam Godwin – Senior
One of the few returning players. And Godwin is the big with the most returning experience. A transfer from Wofford after playing OKPreps ball at Southmoore, Godwin gave everything he had when he checked in last season.
He was rewarded for that attitude. No longer a walk-on, Godwin is on scholarship. A very deserving honor for someone who epitomizes what Moser wants his program to be about.
What to expect?
More of the same, honestly. You’re not going to see this massive leap in improvement with Godwin, but he’s going to bring it every night.
Any walk-on placed on scholarship will say the job is not done. You have the scholarship, and now you need to prove it every single game, practice.
Godwin will be a key contributor off the bench, just like he was last season. He will give great energy. And we’ll all find out if Godwin tacking on 10-15 pounds is going to make a difference for him handling the Big 12 grind.
Moser says
“He’s gained 14 pounds. Sam’s tough, but he always had a weight disadvantage inside. He’s over 230 now, and he’s physically stronger. Great motor. Sam uplifted the game when he got in. I think he led us in offensive rebounds. He’s a great roller to the rim because he’s athletic. He got a lot of lob dunks. He led us in dunks last year off the bench. But his motor transition-wise, when he gets out and rim runs, he really puts pressure on the defense. Because even if they come in, he’s opening up a three. He’s playing at a faster rim-to-rim pace. Offensive rebounding.
“I told him, I go, ‘You don’t have to make the three. You’ve just got to shoot it.’ I want him to be a threat to shoot the ball because we’ll do shooting drills and his shot looks great. So I’ve told him, ‘You’ve got to shoot it.’ Now if he yanks five in a row and misses then I might have a problem and pull him back. But I want him to be able to feel comfortable to shoot it if they’re gonna play him in the paint. He’s got a nice-looking shot. I want him to lead and be more vocal. But I think his strength has now helped him. Because he’s always been tough. Now, he’s got 15 more pounds to help him with that toughness. And I think that’s where you’re going to see him also take another step.”
