2011-2012 Ok State Basketball Preview

We're on the verge of another oSu basketball season, and no one seems to notice. But believe me, I do! With no NCAA tournament appearance last season and football ranked #2, it's definitely the back burner on the Ok State sports calendar. But in coach Ford's 4th season, things are looking up. Only 3 players on oSu's current roster have Division 1 experience, including Keiton Page who will no doubt be the leader of the team. Of the newcomers, the 2 most exciting players seem to be LeBryan Nash and Cezar Guerrero. Nash is the highest recruited player in recent history and could immediately be a superstar. Also added to the roster is Philip Jurick. Jurick is a 7-footer that adds some much needed size to the Cowboy roster.

The Contributors
With so many newcomers, it's hard to figure out who's going to play a major role. By conference play, I think the starters are as follows:

• G - Cezar Guerrero
• G - Keiton Page
• F - JP Olukemi
• F - LeBryan Nash
• F - Michael Cobbins
• 6th man - Markel Brown

I also see time for Reger Dowell, Fred Gulley, Brian Williams, and Philip Jurick. As conference play approaches I think Fred or Reger sees reduced minutes. At this point, I'm not prepared to say which one. There is a good chance Cobbins/Williams/Jurick disappoints, and I think that is really the only way one of the guards doesn't get squeezed out of the rotation.

Athleticism & Depth
In the first 3 years of Travis Ford, we've seen undersized, unathletic teams with with a short bench. I see that changing this season. The rotation will start with the 10 I mentioned and eventually become a 9 man rotation. In that rotation, there will obviously be different roles and minutes. Here is how I think that plays out by conference play:

• First Tier: Keiton, JP, LeBryan
• 2nd Tier: Markel, Brian Williams, Michael Cobbins, Cezar
• 3rd Tier: Reger, Fred, Jurick

The Ford Press
We've heard about it since year one, but we've yet to see it. It could be rugged at first, but by the end of conference play, I think we see a well oiled machine. In the 2 exhibitions you could tell at times the guys were lost... but when they got to their spots it wrecked havoc. You can definitely tell the Ford press isn't about constant pressure but about catching the opponent by surprise and using it just enough to speed them up and make them uncomfortable.

Peaks and Valleys
I definitely think we're going to have some major highs and lows. Sometimes the young guys just won't come to play. I would predict we also see some disinterest from LeBryan Nash at some point. The guy is a great talent, but I'm not sure he completely understands what college basketball will require of him. It will characterize this team from day 1, and bite us at the end as well...

Things to watch for

• LeBryan Nash - it has been rumored he has a few attitude things. Ford seems to think that's garbage... but how does the highly recruited star handle the different ebbs and flows of the season. Does he handle losing well or does he shut down? If he doesn't "get his" will he pout? We don't know at this point, but it could become an issue. 
• Keiton Page for 3!!!! - Keiton could have a big year. For the first time he won't be the focal point of the defense and teams have to respect our other perimeter threats. This could be something special for Keiton and he won't feel so much pressure.
• JP Olukemi seems to fade in and out. I just have a hunch he'll have a disappointing year. He came on late last season and seems to have the talent to be an NBA player. But, he needs to expand his game. 
• Cezar Guerrero will be your new favorite player.  Opponents will hate him... but the home crowd will admire. The guy seems to hustle very well and have a little flava, as they say.
• Michael Cobbins... could he be the new I-Mac. We all loved Ivan McFarlin at oSu, but we've never found anyone quite like him. Cobbins seems to have a knack for being in the right place to get a putback. I'm hoping he can be a legitimate athletic trashman!
• Markel Brown is athletic. We've always known this, but at the end of last season he had a mini-breakthrough. Hopefully he can be an explosive 6th man off the bench. He can take over games... His development will be fun to watch.

Hope you all enjoyed the post, and hope I'm right about a few things... really looking forward to the season opener tonight at 7pm at GIA!