If you asked someone to name three sports teams in Oklahoma off the top of their head, chances are they’d mention the big three: the Oklahoma Sooners football team, the Oklahoma State Cowboys football team, and the Oklahoma City Thunder. While those teams have carved their own legacies, there’s much more to explore in Oklahoma sports— and no team is proving that more than a basketball squad down in Langston, Oklahoma.
Since 2022, Langston University’s men’s basketball team has amassed an impressive 81-12 record, along with two Sooner Athletic Conference championships.
A key factor in Langston’s success? Head coach Chris Wright, who has emphasized team basketball above all else.
“This program is bigger than any one person. We have been able to build a nationally elite program here at Langston, and it’s been a complete team effort,” Wright told the Black Wall Street Times.
Overcoming obstacles
Since taking over in 2022, Wright has been the driving force behind a Langston basketball program that many previously overlooked, using a foundation of passion, determination, and positivity.
“We are trying to focus on the things that give us a chance to be successful against the best teams in the country,” Wright said. “We want to have consistent and positive energy every single day. We also want to be committed to defending and rebounding at a high level. If we can do those things, we are going to like the results.”
Despite their dominance, the road to success hasn’t been without obstacles. Throughout his three seasons, Wright has managed an unprecedented number of injuries, including a season where one of his most integral players was unable to practice since October.
“We have dealt with more injuries than any team I have coached in 22 years in college basketball,” Wright said. “Also, our starting point guard has not been able to practice since October. This is obviously no fault of his own. The toughness he has shown this season playing through severe injury has been admirable. It is hard to build chemistry, though, when your point guard is not able to get live reps in practice.”
Langston University Basketball coach wants a national championship
Even with the challenges, Wright believes this season is just the beginning. His ultimate goal? A national championship.
“In the NAIA, there has not been an HBCU to win a national championship since Texas Southern in 1977,” Wright said.
“Only three have played in the championship game since—West Virginia State in 1987, our team at Talladega in 2022, and our team here last season. Our goal always remains to win a national title.”
From day one, Wright has fought to elevate Langston into the conversation with some of the nation’s top basketball programs. As the season nears its end, he’s looking to guide his team to a championship in the NAIA National Tournament—and beyond—on his mission to prove that Langston University belongs among the best.
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