Oklahoma’s newest Russian addition debuts just hours after signing papers

On Sunday, Russian big man Kirill Elatontsev officially signed with Oklahoma men's basketball. By Monday night, he was already suited up in crimson and playing for the Sooners at Lloyd Noble Center.

News broke last week of the Sooners adding Elatontsev to their roster as a rare midseason addition in what's become a controversial trend just in the last few weeks. He debuted in OU's nonconference finale against Mississippi Valley State, which was a 93-69 win before the Sooners tip off SEC play against Ole Miss on Saturday.

Kirill Elatontsev debuts for Sooners in win vs Mississippi Valley State

"First and foremost, we're happy Kirill is here, as it's been a process to get to this point," OU men's basketball coach Porter Moser said in a statement after signing Elatontsev. "He gives us depth at the five spot, which is key since the SEC is one of the best rebounding leagues in the country. He's older and has played against really good competition, which will also help us in league play. And he's skilled and has a really nice touch around the basket.

"We're excited for his addition and are working to get him acclimated to our program, our system and our terminology so he can help us as much and as quickly as possible."

Elatontsev, who's 23 years old, came off the bench and played 18 minutes in his first-ever NCAA action. He tallied six points on 2-of-3 shooting with four rebounds and an assist. Most importantly, he added depth down low for the Sooners along with starting center Mohamed Wague, listed at 6-foot-10, and 6-foot-10 freshman Kai Rogers, who's injured. Elatontsev is listed at 6-foot-11 and 240 pounds.

Before Monday night in Norman, all of Elatontsev's experience had come in Russia. Most recently, he played for Lokomotiv Kuban in the VTB United League, which is considered the top tier of Russian professional club basketball. He averaged 7.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 20.2 minutes per game last season and was an all-star selection. Elatontsev is also on the Russian National Team.

"Really unique. I've never had it," Moser said postgame of a midseason addition. "I'll tell you, whether I like it or not is a different story. It's allowed. And you're either gonna evolve -- it's like when NIL hit, there was some people didn't like it -- but the people that just jumped in it evolved faster, got a leg up on the other places that it took them awhile to get going with it.

"Do we need guidelines or guardrails on a lot of things? Yes. But, right now, if he's cleared, you gotta evolve. He's cleared. He's a really good young man. I can't believe that we were able to throw him in with two practices."