The Oklahoma Sooners men's basketball program has made significant strides in bolstering its roster through the NCAA Transfer Portal, securing two prominent commitments. Utah Valley transfer guard Tyler Hendricks and former Louisville small forward Khani Rooths have both pledged their allegiance to Oklahoma, providing a much-needed injection of talent and experience. This strategic move by the Sooners aims to compensate for the departure of forward Kuol Atak to Virginia Tech, ensuring the team remains competitive in the evolving landscape of collegiate basketball.
Oklahoma Secures Key Talent from Transfer Portal
In a pivotal period for collegiate basketball recruitment, the Oklahoma Sooners have successfully acquired two significant transfers, enhancing their roster for the upcoming season. On Friday, April 17, 2026, the team officially welcomed Tyler Hendricks, a guard from Utah Valley, and Khani Rooths, a small forward formerly with Louisville, into their ranks. This development comes as the NCAA Transfer Portal, which opened on April 7 and concludes on April 21, allows collegiate athletes to seek new opportunities.
Tyler Hendricks, concluding his junior year with the Utah Valley Wolverines, brings a valuable offensive presence to the Sooners. During his last season, Hendricks maintained impressive averages of 11.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists. Prior to his tenure at Utah Valley, he also gained experience in the competitive Big 12 Conference through two seasons with UCF, indicating his readiness for high-level play.
Joining Hendricks is Khani Rooths, a highly touted small forward who transfers from Louisville with two years of eligibility remaining. Rooths made a considerable impact in his freshman season, participating in 31 games for the Cardinals, including two starts. His contributions included averages of 5.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.0 assists over 15.9 minutes per game. Rooths demonstrated efficiency from the field, shooting 44.9%, and though his three-point percentage was 22.4%, his overall game showcased significant potential. A former four-star prospect from IMG Academy (FL), Rooths was ranked as the No. 33 overall player and the No. 12 small forward in the 2024 recruiting cycle, according to Rivals Industry Rankings.
These acquisitions are particularly timely for Oklahoma, as they recently saw forward Kuol Atak transfer to Virginia Tech. Atak, in his sole season with the Sooners, averaged 7.0 points and 1.3 rebounds across 12.4 minutes per game, showcasing his shooting prowess with a 41.3% success rate from beyond the arc. Atak, also a four-star prospect from Haltom (TX), was ranked as the No. 114 overall prospect and No. 22 power forward in the 2025 recruiting cycle.
The strategic recruitment of Hendricks and Rooths signals Oklahoma's commitment to building a strong and competitive team, leveraging the transfer portal to quickly integrate experienced and skilled players into their system. These moves are expected to significantly influence the Sooners' performance in the upcoming basketball season.
The strategic engagement with the NCAA Transfer Portal underscores the evolving dynamics of collegiate sports, highlighting the agility required for teams to adapt and fortify their rosters. For the Oklahoma Sooners, the successful recruitment of Tyler Hendricks and Khani Rooths demonstrates a proactive approach to team building. This not only fills critical gaps created by departures but also introduces fresh talent that promises to elevate the team's competitive edge. It serves as a reminder that in modern college basketball, the ability to effectively navigate the transfer market is as crucial as traditional high school recruitment, offering opportunities for both players seeking new environments and programs aiming for immediate impact. The excitement now builds for how these new additions will integrate and perform in the forthcoming season.
