OSU Cowboys: Building for NCAA Tournament

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 national, invitation tournament at home. That marked the end of year 2, under head coach Steve Lutz, who now turns focus to a crucial third season aimed at reaching the NCAA tournament. The team finished 20 wins and 15 losses, and improvement from their 17 and 18 marked the year before. Fans made big strises here, jumping into the top 25 nationally by averaging 83.2 points per game, the second-highest in program, history, their NET and RPR rankings also climb significantly. But defense slipped back, allowing the same 83.2 points per game, and wrecking 349th out of 361 Division 1 teams, a key factor in the late, collapse against Wichita State. Coach Lutz owned the shortcomings, stressing the need for better balance on both ends of the floor through recruiting and coaching.

1:01Players like Junior Guard Kanye Clary showed promise down the stretch, averaging double digits in 7 of the last 8 games, and praising the, welcoming vibe in Stillwater after transfers from other schools. The Cowboys lose seniors like Leading Score, Anthony Roy, top rebounder, Parsa Fala, and all around contributor Christian Coleman, who had 22 points in the finale. Key returners could include Clary, Freshman Center Ben Ahmed, and others like Victoria's Miller and Isaiah Coleman, while a top 15 recruiting class led by McDonald's All-American Latrelle Almond, and in-state star Jalen Montanati joins next year. With the transfer portal opening April 7th through the 21st, Lutz faces busy roster talks to build a tough physical squad that defends and rebounds every night setting up a real shot at the big dance.