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Published: 4/23/2008 2:25 PM
Last Modified: 4/23/2008 2:25 PM

The question is can Oklahoma State, which returns everyone except Marcus Dove and Tyler Hatch, get back to the NCAA Tournament as soon as next season?
The Cowboys were a .500 team last season and there is no guarantee that a full cupboard, in and of itself, will be enough to make the field of 65 next season.
But finishing high in the Big 12 will be a big step in the right direction and the Cowboys appear to be getting lots of help this offseason because other Big 12 teams are losing players to the NBA right and left.
Kansas State's Michael Beasley and Bill Walker declared for the draft.
Kansas' Darrell Arthur, Brandon Rush and Mario Chalmers did likewise.
Texas' A.J. Abrams and D.J. Augustin are going to test the waters without hiring an agent.
So, the timing appears right for the Cowboys (and Sooners) to make a move upward with a core of veteran players.
I'm guessing both teams will be in the tournament next season.



Reader Comments 9 Total

Arthur (5 years ago)
I would agree, but I think OSU would could have the ability as well. With a first year coach it is difficult to tell what is going to happen. If Capel would have had all of his talent return to him when he first took over OU, then OU probably would have made the tournament that year. OSU may not be quite as talented, but if Ford can get them running the floor, which actually benefits what was OSU's biggest problem in no post threat, then OSU could be pretty good. Ibrahima is better suited as a forward, at least until he can put some more weight on him. If Sean were still the coach we would have a better idea of what to expect, but with Ford taking over the most talented group that he's ever taken over against the toughest competition that he's ever faced it is next to impossible to really know where the pokes will finish next year. They have the talent but how much will they have to learn? Will he force a system that doesn't function as well with these players? How much can he adapt his system? Can he handle the spotlight of a top-25 coaching position? These are all questions that we really know nothing about that could have great impact. I just hope we made a great hire.

OU is going to be good next year. I would think anything less than the sweet sixteen would be a complete disappointment and the elite eight isn't anticipating too much. Warren looks pretty good and will probably be ready by big 12 play. Griffin looks great and with hopefully no injury could be a player of the year candidate. I think if OU were to have to play the same talent in the big 12 next year they would still be competitive in the top-3.
Dick (5 years ago)
Wow... a comment that actually seems logical, smart and unbiased. Thanks arthur-- these boards are usually filled with hate filled, childish idiots!!!
Dick (5 years ago)
Wow... a comment that actually seems logical, smart and unbiased. Thanks arthur-- these boards are usually filled with hate filled, childish idiots!!!
Jimmie Tramel (5 years ago)
I wrote too soon that Dove and Hatch were going to be the only personnel losses. A few hours after posting this blog, Terrel Harris was suspended indefinitely by new coach Travis Ford. Let's see if Harris can get un-suspended.
john (5 years ago)
Just wondering if Ford brought in his own staff or if he is holding some of Sutton's (especially Dickey and Rutherford)? It would be nice to keep some of the old assistants around, and they may (or may not?) have good relationships with the current personnel.
Arthur (5 years ago)
Well, the loss of Harris is not good, but I would rather have a consistent player then wondering if he'll be terrible or red hot.
Arthur (5 years ago)
than* not then my apologies

I should say I hope Harris stays he makes a good sixth man and with more consistency could become a high quality starter.
Zach (5 years ago)
You mean like your little comment Dick? Pot, meet kettle.

Anyway. I think Arthur has hit the nail on the head. For OU, it al depends on Warren being as good as advertised and Griffin getting an all around game.

For OSU, it will take some more work, but the opportunity to be an NCAA team is there if they ALL buy in to Ford's system.
Rhymeister (5 years ago)
I think Ford has to get Obi Muonelo to play up to his potential because he's capable of sooooo much more. Anderson came out of the shute on FIRE...he needs to refind that because he is also a dominant player.

I thought Ok State should've played Sidorakis more last season but who knows maybe he felt a little overwhelmed coming out of HS but he should be able to become a good player. Bryon Eaton finally came on and needs to keep improving.

Terrel Harris was a serious disappointment....not sure what he did to get suspended but he obviously has some sort of issue to be so up and down last season, he is certainly capable of so much more.
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Tulsa World sports writer Jimmie Tramel is a former class president at Locust Grove High School. He graduated magna cum laude from Northeastern State University with a journalism degree and, while attending college, was sports editor of the Pryor Daily Times. He joined the Tulsa World on Oct. 17, 1989, the same day an earthquake struck the World Series. He is the OSU basketball beat writer and a columnist and feature writer during football season. In 2007, he wrote a book about Oklahoma State football with former Cowboy coach Pat Jones.

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