Porter Moser and the Oklahoma Sooners just got a major boost heading into the spring semester - and it comes in the form of a 6-foot-11 frontcourt presence with international pedigree.
Kirill Elatontsev, a 23-year-old center from Russia, has officially been cleared by the NCAA and is expected to suit up for the Sooners this spring. With just one semester of eligibility remaining, Elatontsev’s arrival couldn’t be better timed for an Oklahoma squad that’s fighting for its NCAA Tournament life.
Elatontsev brings more than just size to Norman. He’s been playing professionally with Lokomotiv Kuban in the VTB United League - Russia’s top-tier league - and has twice been named the league’s Best Young Player.
He’s also represented the Russian National Team, giving him high-level experience both domestically and internationally. In the 2024-25 season, he averaged 7.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game over 37 contests, shooting an efficient 62% from the field.
That kind of production, especially the shot-blocking and interior efficiency, could be exactly what Oklahoma needs as they head into Big 12 play. The Sooners are 9-3 heading into their final nonconference matchup, and while none of their three losses are considered damaging - Gonzaga, Arizona State, and Nebraska are all currently projected tournament teams - the margin for error is razor-thin.
According to ESPN’s latest Bracketology update, Oklahoma is listed as the “Last Team In,” slotted as a 12-seed in the play-in game. That’s living on the edge, and it underscores just how important every game - and every roster addition - will be from here on out. Adding a seasoned, rim-protecting big like Elatontsev could help tip the scales in some of those tightly contested conference matchups.
Of course, the big question is how quickly Elatontsev can adjust to the college game. Transitioning from the pro ranks in Europe to the pace and style of NCAA basketball isn’t always seamless. But with only one semester to make his mark, the Sooners will be hoping he can hit the ground running.
Oklahoma’s frontcourt rotation currently leans on Mohamed Wague and Tae Davis, who are averaging 8.2 and 12.4 points per game, respectively. Adding Elatontsev gives Moser another option in the paint - one with international experience, shot-blocking instincts, and the kind of length that can alter a game defensively.
With the Big 12 as deep as ever and the tournament bubble as crowded as always, Oklahoma’s margin for error is slim. But if Elatontsev can bring the kind of impact he showed overseas, the Sooners might have just found the piece that helps push them over the edge.