OSU Basketball: Cowboys Should Be Optimistic Going Into Next Season
Oklahoma State basketball just finished a bad season, but there is still reason for optimism going into 2024-25.
OSU’s games this season often got out of hand, and some were uncompetitive from tipoff. With so much experience across the Big 12 and college basketball, OSU’s youth caused problems.
Four freshmen started games regularly throughout the season, but in the best conference in college basketball, their talent was not enough to win games. Although they couldn’t get over the hump in year one, they are the key to OSU’s future success.
Freshman center Brandon Garrison was one of five Cowboys to play every game, starting the last 29. Alongside him, freshman forward Eric Dailey Jr. was on the floor in every matchup.
Assuming OSU can keep them around, the frontcourt is set for years to come, with both players having NBA potential. Dailey finished the season with 15 double-digit scoring games, while Garrison displayed his inside presence and averaged 1.5 blocks per game.
OSU got some impressive play from freshmen, but even those with more college basketball experience struggled with the Big 12. Of the top 10 players in minutes, only three Cowboys had previous experience playing for a Power Five team.
Of those three, Bryce Thompson, who missed nearly half the season, was the only one with multiple seasons of previous experience. Although OSU will not have an abundance of those guys next season, one year of Big 12 experience could be more than enough to compete for an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2025.
OSU will also bring back its leading scorer, Javon Small. He averaged 15.1 points this season and offered the team a scoring punch it desperately needed.
Of course, the biggest question surrounding the Cowboys’ future is Mike Boynton's status. In seven seasons, Boynton has made only one NCAA Tournament appearance and has been under intense scrutiny from the fanbase throughout the past couple of seasons.
After a 12-20 season, a change is possible, but nothing appears imminent. Boynton recently said he expects to return next season. Considering he has four years left on his contract and a hefty buyout, the Cowboys might not be interested in a coaching change this offseason.
Sure, the future looks bleak after four straight blowout losses to end a 12-win season. But OSU has a solid foundation, and it needs the opportunity to build on it.
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