Oklahoma State a Dark Horse This Season?

Oklahoma State checks in at No. 52 in Sports Illustrated's Preseason Rankings

© Amy Kontras-USA TODAY Sports

STILLWATER -- Oklahoma State started their 2019-20 season off on the right foot Friday night when they beat Rogers State 75-63 in an exhibition game.

The game was full of 'Cam Slams' and great performances by the freshmen. Kalib Boone led the way for the Pokes in points, rebounds and blocks as he recorded 13-points, six blocks and six rebounds in his Cowboy debut.

Rogers State made things a little interesting with the Oklahoma State starters off the floor, but it was very valuable experience for the large group of younger players.

They official start the season on Wednesday, Nov. 6 in Stillwater against Oral Roberts.

But prior to that game, I think it's a fair question to ask: Is Oklahoma State a dark horse this season? Mike Boynton and Co. return all five starters off last year's squad, and they added one of the best recruiting class in school history.

With all the hype surround the program as we enter the season next week, Sports Illustrated released their annual preseason rankings and Oklahoma State checked in just outside the top-50, but not by much. The Pokes were ranked No. 52.

"Oklahoma State (No. 52) probably thought the Crimson Tide had it easy given all the chaos Mike Boynton dealt with in Stillwater, but the Cowboys now return most of the team that finished the season strong. Look out for sweet-shooting guard Lindy Waters, who almost brought down Texas Tech in Lubbock single-handedly."

That list of returning players includes seniors Lindy Waters III, Cameron McGriff and Thomas Dziagwa, and sophomores Isaac Likekele and Yor Anei. Anei ranked seventh among all players in the NCAA last season in blocks, and was also second among all freshmen. As for Likekele, he helped lead USA Basketball to a U19 FIBA gold medal this past summer.

I'm not predicting that Oklahoma State is a lock to win the regular season, or even the Big 12 Tournament this season as we've still yet to see them in regular season action.

But everything we've seen throughout the offseason in practice, I think it's safe to say that they're going to make the Big 12 interesting this season.

I am, however, predicting that the Pokes will make the NCAA Tournament this season, and that they'll even win at least one game. Bold, I know.

As far as where SI ranks the other Big 12 teams:

1. Kansas No. 5 (No. 1 Big 12)
2. Texas Tech No. 13 (No. 2 Big 12)
3. Baylor No. 18 (No. 3 Big 12)
4. Texas No. 26 (No. 4 Big 12)
5. West Virginia No. 47 (No. 5 Big 12)
6. Oklahoma State No. 52 (No. 6 Big 12)
7. Iowa State No. 54 (No. 7 Big 12)
8. Oklahoma No. 64 (No. 8 Big 12)
9. Kansas State No. 68 (No. 9 Big 12
10. TCU No. 76 (No. 10 Big 12)