OU basketball honors Ryan Minor with video tribute, Forever a Sooner Shirts

A Night to Remember: Honoring Sooner Legend Ryan Minor

Twelve held a special significance for the OU men’s basketball team on Thursday night. More than just a number, it was a tribute to one of the program’s greatest players – Ryan Minor.

Before their game against Central Arkansas at the Lloyd Noble Center, the 12th-ranked Sooners held a poignant moment of silence to honor Minor, who tragically passed away on December 22nd after battling colon cancer. He was only 49 years old.

Minor’s impact on the Sooners transcended both the basketball court and the baseball diamond. He starred on both teams during his time in Norman in the 1990s, leaving an indelible mark on OU athletics.

To honor his legacy, Coach Porter Moser and the Sooners donned white Forever a Sooner Shirts bearing the phrase “Forever a Sooner” on the front, along with Minor’s name and jersey number on the back. A touching video tribute further commemorated his remarkable career.

Click here to check out.

Minor’s accomplishments were indeed remarkable. In his four-year career with the Sooners (1992-96), he averaged an impressive 16.5 points per game, earning him the prestigious Big Eight Conference Player of the Year award in 1994-95.

But Minor’s athletic prowess extended beyond the hardwood. He, along with his twin brother Damon, played a pivotal role in guiding the OU baseball team to a coveted College World Series championship in 1994.

Despite being drafted 32nd overall in the 1996 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers, Minor ultimately pursued a successful career in baseball. He played for the Baltimore Orioles and Montreal Expos before transitioning into a minor league coaching role.

Even as his playing days ended, Minor continued to be recognized for his exceptional talent. Just last month, the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame announced that he would be posthumously inducted as part of its 2024 class.

The night against Central Arkansas wasn’t just about basketball; it was a night to celebrate the life and legacy of Ryan Minor. The Sooners, playing with heavy hearts but inspired by his memory, secured a 88-72 victory, adding another chapter to the storied history of OU athletics forever intertwined with Minor’s name.

This revised version provides a more comprehensive and emotional tribute to Ryan Minor, highlighting his significant achievements and capturing the spirit of the night dedicated to his memory. The additional image of Minor in his Sooners uniform further personalizes the story and reinforces his enduring impact on the program.

𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐚 𝐒𝐨𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐫 ♥🤍#BoomerSooner ☝ pic.twitter.com/Kj4BnHEo6x

— Oklahoma Basketball (@OU_MBBall) December 28, 2023