Paul Jesperson rounds out OU basketball staff
For real, now, the OU basketball staff is finalized. Head coach Porter Moser announced Thursday afternoon Paul Jesperson will be an assistant coach for the Sooners.
Jesperson will also serve as director of player development.
He joins Oklahoma after three seasons with the Atlanta Hawks. With the Hawks, Jesperson was player development coach for two seasons from 2021-23 and assistant video coordinator during 2020-21.
“Paul brings a wealth of NBA experience from his time with the Atlanta Hawks as an assistant and player development coach,” said Moser in a press release. “He was instrumental in developing top talent at the highest level. His knowledge of the NBA will help prepare our players to excel on the court and position them for a professional basketball career.”
If the name rings a bell, well, OU fans might remember him. Jesperson banked in a half court buzzer beater to upset Texas in the 2016 NCAA Tournament in Oklahoma City.
“My wife and I are excited to be a part of the University of Oklahoma and coach Moser’s staff,” said Jesperson in the press release. “Coach has proven that he produces winning players and championship teams. Oklahoma has a rich basketball tradition and I look forward to pouring into our student-athletes to achieve all of their goals both on and off the court.”
An NCAA rule change this year allowed for coaches to add two more assistant spots. Moser has now checked all those boxes.
A wealth of experience, but only assistant coach Ryan Humphrey has any time at OU. This will be his second season in Norman.
It will be the first year at OU for the other four assistants. Armon Gates (Oregon), Brock Morris (Mississippi), Clayton Custer (Loyola Chicago) and now Jesperson (Atlanta Hawks). Custer was officially announced Wednesday.
