GCU’s Bryce Drew’s Case to be OSU Basketball’s Next Head Coach

How heavily should Oklahoma State pursue Grand Canyon's head coach?

The Oklahoma State Cowboys are in dangerous territory. Another day passes, and the basketball program remains without a head coach. The very reason they dismissed Mike Boynton ahead of April 1 – which cost the program more money – was to hire a coach ahead of the transfer portal and get ahead of the curve in the program’s rebuild.

Bigger-name candidates like Dusty May, Darian DeVries and Danny Sprinkle have each taken different Power Four jobs this offseason. 

Recently, a few names have been reported as candidates for the Cowboys’ opening, those being Bryce Drew, Steve Alford and Niko Medved. Of those three, Drew might just be the most appealing.

A prime candidate for the Cowboys is somewhere along the lines of an up-and-coming mid-major coach with NCAA Tournament experience. The 49-year-old Grand Canyon University head coach might just fit that bill. 

Of course, Drew has Power Four head coaching experience, spending time at Vanderbilt over the course of a three-year stint. He posted an underwhelming 40-59 record in his three seasons, making the NCAA Tournament in only his first season with the program. 

In his 12-year head coaching career, which began at his alma mater of Valparaiso, Drew has seen six NCAA Tournament appearances. Having spent the last five seasons at GCU, Drew has posted a 94-32 record, finishing with a 30-5 record this past season.

Over the last three seasons, Drew has totaled 77 wins. While Oklahoma State plays in a much tougher conference, Drew’s recent consistency and ability to get into the NCAA Tournament should be very coveted for Chad Weiberg and Oklahoma State. 

From a resource standpoint, Oklahoma State isn’t the most appealing head coaching vacancy, but it would provide Drew the opportunity to show his ability to win at a Power Four school, and the toughest basketball conference in the nation.

It’s hard to argue the fit for both Drew and the program, and, while it’s not the most ideal opening, it’s a big opportunity in Stillwater. The program needs a jolt of momentum and excitement around it, and Drew could bring just that.

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