Cowboys taking baby steps to Springfield? Or is baby stuff over?
Published: 12/7/2011 1:18 PM
Last Modified: 12/8/2011 9:31 PM
OSU coach Travis Ford. MATT BARNARD/Tulsa World
According to redshirt freshman post player Michael Cobbins, that’s what Oklahoma State basketball coach Travis Ford told players after their most recent game, a lackluster victory over NAIA opponent Langston.
Asked what Ford’s message to the team was afterward, Cobbins said, “Mainly that we need to cut out all the baby stuff, like underestimating teams and (we need to) come together as a team and really play the full 40 minutes.”
Baby stuff? Did Ford really use that term and, if so, what did he mean by it?
“Just like complaining,” Cobbins said. “There’s a lot of complaining going on.”
Sophomore guard Markel Brown admitted that OSU underestimated Langston. “They went out there and punched us in the mouth,” he said.
Ford said his team played “casual” against Langston and played in spurts.
The Cowboys will have to be the opposite of casual -- formal? -- if they want to win their first true road game of the season.
OSU faces Missouri State in Springfield, Mo. The Bears have lost just one home game over the last two seasons.
“We’ve just got to continue to take steps in the right direction and get our minds right and focus for the game,” Cobbins said. “Not just before the game. It actually starts when we wake up.”
Let’s see if the Cowboys answer the wake-up call.
--Jimmie Tramel.
Written by
Jimmie Tramel
Sports Writer
