OSU Cowboys: Aiming for NCAA Tournament in 2023

0:00On March 25, Oklahoma State Cowboys wrapped up their season with a tough 96-70 loss to Wichita State in the second round of the NIT at home. It marked the end of year 2, under head coach Steve Lutz finishing with a 20-win 15-loss record up from 17-18 the year before. Now all eyes turned to a crucial third season where the goal is clear, reaching the NCAA tournament. The team showed real progress offensively, jumping into the top 25 nationally by average 83.2 points per game, the second best mark-in, program history. Their NIT and RPI rankings improved too. But defense slipped badly, allowing 83.2 points per game, ranking 349th out of 361 Division 1 teams, a step back from last year stronger, showing coach Lutz knows the pressure is on, admitting he fell short of tournament expectations so far. Still, he's upbeat about a top 15 recruiting class coming in, headlined by McDonald's

1:00All-American Latreau Almond and the state's top player, Jalen Montanati. He stressed the need to build a tougher, more physical squad that defends and rebounds every night. Several seniors like Leading Score, Anthony Roy, top rebounder, Parsifala, and all around performer Christian Coleman are graduating. Key returners could include Junior Guard Kanye Clary, who heated up late with double-digit scoring in seven of the last eight games. Freshman and sophomores like Ben Amid, Andrea Vukovic, and victorious Miller also showed promise. With the transfer portal opening April 7th through the 21st, Lutz faces busy days evaluating the roster, talking finances, and landing the right. Mix, it's due more with less time for the Cowboys as they gear up for a breakthrough year.