The 1986-87 Oklahoma Sooners Basketball Season Featured Star Power, Big Wins, and a Narrow NCAA Tournament Heartbreak

The 1986–87 Oklahoma Sooners men’s basketball team carved out a season filled with electric offense, individual accolades, and a run to the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16, all under the high-octane leadership of head coach Billy Tubbs. With a mix of seasoned veterans and promising young talent, the Sooners were one of the most exciting teams in college basketball, employing a relentless pace that overwhelmed many of their opponents but fell just short of national glory.

Oklahoma entered the season with high expectations, building off the aggressive, fast-paced style Tubbs had instilled since taking over the program. His philosophy was simple: push the tempo, shoot early, and apply pressure defensively. That strategy allowed Oklahoma to finish with an impressive 24–10 overall record and a 9–5 mark in the rugged Big Eight Conference, which was known for its physicality and competitive depth.

Leading the charge for the Sooners was senior guard Tim McCalister, one of the most dynamic scorers in the country. McCalister averaged 19.8 points per game, displaying an ability to break down defenders off the dribble, create shots from anywhere on the court, and thrive in clutch situations. His impact was felt on both ends, as he also led the team with 2.4 steals per contest, making him a disruptive force defensively. His outstanding performance earned him First Team All-Big 8 honors and a place on the NCAA Tournament All-Region team, cementing his status as one of the elite guards in college basketball that year.

Complementing McCalister was the emergence of forward Harvey Grant, a transfer from Independence Community College and the brother of future NBA standout Horace Grant. Harvey wasted no time making his mark, averaging close to a double-double with 9.9 rebounds per game and contributing significantly on offense. His length, athleticism, and defensive presence added versatility to Oklahoma’s lineup, and his outstanding freshman campaign earned him Big 8 Rookie of the Year and All-Big 8 Tournament First Team honors.

In the frontcourt, sophomore David Johnson provided interior toughness, while Darryl Kennedy brought experience and scoring from the wing. Kennedy’s ability to stretch defenses and attack off the bounce made him a critical piece in Tubbs’ up-tempo system. At point guard, Ricky Grace orchestrated the offense masterfully, leading the team with 5.6 assists per game. Grace’s quickness and court vision were pivotal in initiating fast breaks and maintaining the frenetic pace Tubbs demanded.

The Sooners’ bench, though young, offered key contributions, notably from future NBA big man Stacey King. As a freshman, King showed flashes of the dominant inside presence he would become, leading the team in blocked shots at 0.9 per game. His development throughout the season provided valuable depth alongside reserves like Terrence Mullins, Dave Sieger, Ron Roberts, Chuck Watson, and Anthony Martin.

Oklahoma’s regular season was marked by thrilling victories and a few learning moments against elite competition. Their 9–5 conference record placed them third in the Big 8, trailing only powerhouse programs but showing they belonged among the nation’s elite. The Sooners’ up-tempo style frequently overwhelmed opponents, with their offense capable of exploding for high-scoring outputs on any given night.

When the NCAA Tournament bracket was revealed, Oklahoma earned a #6 seed in the West Region, setting the stage for a challenging but promising postseason run. Their opening-round matchup pitted them against in-state foe Tulsa, a team hungry to pull off an upset. In a tightly contested game, Oklahoma’s star power and offensive firepower proved too much, as they escaped with a 74–69 victory to advance to the second round.

In the Round of 32, the Sooners faced #3 seed Pittsburgh, a physically imposing squad with national title aspirations. True to their identity, Oklahoma turned the game into a track meet, leveraging their speed, transition game, and perimeter shooting. Despite Pittsburgh’s size and defensive prowess, the Sooners’ relentless attack prevailed in a thrilling 96–93 victory, propelling them to the Sweet 16 and sending a message to the college basketball world that Oklahoma was not to be underestimated.

The West Regional Semifinal brought a clash with #2 seed Iowa, another team known for its offensive capabilities and depth. The game lived up to its billing as an instant classic, with both teams trading baskets, momentum swings, and high-level play throughout. Oklahoma’s McCalister and Grant delivered standout performances, keeping the Sooners within striking distance. However, in the closing moments, Iowa managed to hold off Oklahoma’s furious rally, narrowly escaping with a 93–91 victory that ended the Sooners’ tournament dreams.

While the season concluded with heartbreak, the 1986–87 campaign was undeniably a success for Oklahoma. They demonstrated their ability to compete with the nation’s best, developed young talent like Stacey King, and showcased McCalister’s brilliance on the national stage. Under Tubbs, the Sooners had firmly established themselves as a program on the rise, known for excitement, offensive fireworks, and an uncompromising competitive spirit.

The individual accolades reflected the team’s excellence. Tim McCalister’s All-Big 8 First Team selection and NCAA Tournament All-Region recognition validated his leadership and scoring prowess. Harvey Grant’s Rookie of the Year honors hinted at his bright future, one that would ultimately lead him to an NBA career. Ricky Grace’s steady hand as the floor general and Stacey King’s defensive presence underscored the team’s depth and potential moving forward.

Moreover, the 1986–87 season laid the foundation for Oklahoma’s even greater success the following year, as Tubbs’ squad would return with increased experience and aspirations of a national championship. The Sooners’ brand of basketball—fast, fearless, and fun—captivated fans and made Norman, Oklahoma, a must-watch destination for college hoops enthusiasts.

In retrospect, the 1986–87 Oklahoma Sooners men’s basketball team epitomized everything exciting about the game: high-scoring affairs, thrilling finishes, and a roster packed with talent destined for greater heights. Though their journey ended just shy of the Final Four, they ignited a new era of Sooners basketball, leaving an indelible mark on the program’s proud history.