As March Madness unfolds, Oklahoma athletics is buzzing with excitement as both the men's and women's basketball teams prepare for their respective NCAA Tournament matchups. The anticipation is palpable, with two separate journeys colliding in the spotlight.
Firstly, on Friday, March 21, 2025, Oklahoma Women's Basketball Coach Jennie Baranczyk provided a glimpse into her team's mindset ahead of their first-round game against Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU). This matchup will take place at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Lloyd Noble Center. Baranczyk emphasized the excitement within her team, especially marking their inaugural year in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). "The team is really excited, and honestly, how about our first year in the SEC conference?" Baranczyk stated in an interview with News 9. "You talk about playing at such an incredibly high level, and I just love the way that this team has developed some resiliency and grit skills along the way."
Baranczyk's optimism is coupled with the support of individuals like Jan Jensen, coach of the Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball team, who praised Baranczyk as one of the most competitive players she ever coached. Jensen commented, "She’s one of the most competitive kids to ever coach, one of the best ever players, right? She's considered one of the young up-and-comers for sure, so certainly proud of her." This sentiment resonates especially with Sooner fans, who remember Baranczyk's daughter ardently cheering on the squad during last year's tournament.
Baranczyk reinforced the feeling of community with the Sooner faithful, urging everyone to connect during March Madness. "This isn't just about a basketball game. This isn't just a glimpse of what our program is doing. This is a glimpse in terms of our entire university and our entire state," she explained, emphasizing how their efforts transcend the sport itself. Her words reflect a broader narrative: unity and pride within Oklahoma amidst chaos in the world.
Meanwhile, looking at the men’s side, Chris Crutchfield, who took the helm as head coach of the Omaha men's basketball team in March 2022, celebrates a significant milestone as his team enters the NCAA Tournament for the first time in history. Omaha, a No. 15 seed, will face the heavyweight No. 2 seed St. John’s on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 8:45 p.m. ET. Crutchfield's journey has been nothing short of remarkable; under his guidance, the Mavericks improved dramatically from nine wins in his first season to 22 wins this year, clinching the Summit League Championship.
Having spent eight seasons as an assistant at Oklahoma under coach Lon Kruger, Crutchfield has a unique background. He played a pivotal role in the recruitment of stars such as Buddy Hield and Trae Young during his tenure. Reflecting on his rise to head coach, he remarked, "He [Kruger] gave us all the blueprint of how to build a program from the ground up." This blueprint has proven effective in Omaha, emphasizing the importance of character and hard work.
On the court, Omaha's stars include Marquel Sutton, who earned the Summit League Player of the Year honors and JJ White, both integral to the Mav's success. Crutchfield’s philosophy is clear: recruiting athletes who are eager to invest in the program and community, contrasting the common practice of chasing high-major transfers.
Looking back at Oklahoma's recent history, it became quite evident that the men's team, led by Coach Porter Moser, has also made significant strides. With their first NCAA Tournament appearance amidst a new SEC landscape, Moser emphasized resilience and character, inspired by personal challenges during his career. Facing UConn in the first round on March 21, 2025, Moser has instilled a culture of growth within his program, even amidst adversity.
"My story, the story of this team, is going to be how we fought through stuff, how we're resilient," he articulated after a tough loss earlier this season.
Moser's transformative journey has seen him adapt to the realities of modern college basketball, especially with the increase in the transfer portal and NIL dynamics. Yet, he remains committed to building a solid foundation based on integrity and community.
With Porter Moser and his Sooners facing the defending champions, and Baranczyk's women aiming to step forward with authority, the spotlight shines brightly on Oklahoma's basketball programs. Both teams are eager to elevate their legacy in March Madness, and the state stands united in support as they embark on this thrilling journey, embodying resilience, tradition, and hope.
