OSU Cowboys Rebuild for NCAA Tournament Push

0:00On May 2nd, Oklahoma State Cowboys basketball just wrapped a 20-win 15-loss season under coach Steve Lutz bowing out in the second round of the NIT. That's progress from year 1, but no NCAA tournament dance yet. They're first missed since 2021. Now with the transfer portal wide open since April 7th, Lutz is rebuilding fast for a tournament push next year. They've locked in a strong freshman class, headlined by McDonald's All-American LaTrell Almond, Oklahoma's top-rated Jalen Monsonati, and four-star. Shooter, Parker, Robinson. On the portal front, they snagged five key pieces already. Seven-foot center, Julius Halai-Fonua, from Georgetown, 6-11 forward, Andrea Garbovic. From Arizona State, guard Luca Bogavac from North Carolina, and a defensive duo from Sam Houston, Cassie Nat, conference USA defensive player of the year, plus freshman standout, Jacob Walker. Lutz stressed the knee for toughness after the NIT exit on March 22nd, saying it's time to build a squad that defends, rebounds, and plays.

1:05Physical every night. Keeping point guard Kanye Clary was huge, all S, who averaged double digits and assists, heating up late. Other returners include Big Man Benjamin Amid, who stepped up big down the stretch, guard Ryan Crowdy, and forward Mecky Ragland. Six players hit the portal, including Scores, Jalen Curry, and Victoria Smiller, plus Isaiah Coleman, and others heading to spots like Maryland End. George Washington. Seniors like Anthony Roy and Parsifala are out of eligibility, thinning the roster, but opening doors. Lutz has his work cut out, but with these portal halls and young talent, the Cowboys live prime to grind toward that NCAA bid watch this off season. Shake out.