While the Oklahoma Sooners grapple with how they’ll retool and replenish a now-depleted roster, we know one of their non-conference opponents for the 2023 season.
The Sooners are set to take on the Providence Friars on December 5 in the 2023 Big East-Big 12 Battle. This men’s basketball non-conference scheduling alliance is in its fifth year, with the games being played from November 30 to December 5.
Both conferences have grown in members since the conception of the idea, and with the Big 12 adding Houston, BYU, UCF, and Cincinnati, the format has changed this year with an increase from 10 to 11 matchups for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons. In this upcoming 2023-2024 season, the Big 12 will host six games, while the Big East will host six the following season.
The two conferences jointly determine the matchups, with the home team choosing the venue of its game. ESPN and FOX Sports will also have a voice in how the broadcast arrangements play out, considering they are the overarching media entities for the Big 12 and Big East.
Providence will be under the guidance of Kim English, previously the head coach of the George Mason Patriots.
English is a former Big 12 basketball player who was a star at Missouri (before they departed for the SEC). He helped lead the Tigers to 107 wins and four NCAA tournament appearances. He was a two-time All-Big 12 selection at Missouri, averaging 11.1 points.
The Friars have made the NCAA Tournament in seven of the last twelve seasons.
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