Shaw’s Release No Stunner
Jarred Shaw surely saw the handwriting on the wall at OSU.
By John Helsley
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The news of OSU granting Jarred Shaw his release was unexpected, yet hardly stunning. The signing of 6-11 Philip Jurick, combined with the Cowboys’ commitment to playing fast next fall, likely sent Shaw packing.
OSU coaches always felt Shaw had upside. And we saw it, too, in glimpses of games here and there — remember the Kansas game in the Big 12 Tournament? — if never in abundance.
The slender Shaw was hampered somewhat by Chron’s Disease, an inflammatory illness of the intenstines, which affected both his ability to gain weight and his cardio fitness. Shaw was a polite kid who always offered a smile and he seemed to be well-liked by teammates.
But players want to play. And Shaw’s place in the program going forward was in question, especially with Jurick on board, so he’s seeking a transfer.
Cowboys coach Travis Ford has vowed to run and gun next season, making best use of a roster that finally offers the athletes able to fit the system we’ve all awaited since Ford was hired from UMass three years ago. Even Jurick’s role is somewhat sketchy, although his size and proven rebounding and shot-blocking skills won’t go to waste.
But if the Cowboys run with regularity next season, it’s easy to project plentiful playing time for Markel Brown, Keiton Page, Jean-Paul Olukemi, Mike Cobbins, LeBryan Nash, Reger Dowell and Cezar Guerrero. And Darrell Williams’ status remains in flux while his legal situation plays out. Fred Gulley and Brian Willliams are also in the mix. And then there’s Jurick.
Shaw had to understand it all. So his departure is no stunner in a roster overhaul that will require a roster for 2011-12.
Ray Penn and Roger Franklin have also departed, meaning three key pieces of Ford’s 2009 recruiting class are gone.
The question now is when will OSU fill Shaw’s scholarship? The Cowboys hold out hope that La Salle transfer Aaric Murray heads their way, although all indications are that he’ll go to West Virginia. OSU is also involved with Chicago prep power forward Jamari Traylor, who may need to go to junior college first.
Ford won’t just add a body, not with a bevy of top prospects supposedly on the radar in what is considred a rich recruiting class nationwide next year.
OSU-Tech: Five Keys
The Cowboys could use a lift from a slumping Jean-Paul Olukemi.
By John Helsley
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The Cowboys have lost four straight and fallen out of NCAA Tournament at-large consideration.
And the tone around the team is taking on a build-for-the-future feel.
And yet, there are still games to be played and things to be accomplished. And that returns to focus today, when OSU hosts Texas Tech at Gallagher-Iba Arena.
Five Keys:
1. Just Win. Sure, the season is a disappointment. But there are opportunities for some feel-good moments ahead, aka, wins. Of OSU’s final three regular season games, all are winnable: Tech today, Baylor at GIA Tuesday and at Oklahoma next Saturday. A few wins would make everyone – players, coaches, fans – feel better.
2. Continue Auditions. Reger Dowell has already made his case for an enhanced role with some solid play in the past two games. And he’ll continue to take the stage. Who else might be ready to step up? Roger Franklin? Jarred Shaw?
3. Make Amends. Among OSU’s disappointing road losses, an overtime setback at Texas Tech might be the most regrettable. If the Cowboys had won there – and they should have – they’d still be holding NCAA Tournament hopes. And, who knows, they might have found something positive to carry into other enemy gyms.
4. Single Out Singletary. Tech has a veteran team with several solid players. They’ve underachieved and it may ultimately cost Pat Knight his job. But the No. 1 item on any scouting report of the Red Raiders is slowing Mike Singletary. That will be key again today, as he’s a difficult matchup because of his strength and athleticism. Expect Jéan-Paul Olukemi or Markel Brown to draw that tough assignment.
5. Polish Up. Hey, it’s not what everyone hoped for, but the NIT is OSU’s next best option. Travis Ford acknowledged, naturally, that the Cowboys would accept a bid. For a young team building for the future, there’s something to be gained from any postseason experience. Barring a total collapse at the end, the Cowboys look like an easy choice for NIT officials. Still, winning at least a couple of games here late would solidify that status.
OSU Hoops: What Now?
Reger Dowell is making a case for more playing time going forward.
By John Helsley
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The Cowboys have lost four straight and by all accounts dropped from NCAA Tournament consideration, confirming the disappointment that has surrounded the program for much of the past two months.
So, what now for OSU, with three regular season games and the Big 12 Tournament remaining?
Five things to watch as the Cowboys finish their stretch run:
1. Recruiting. Travis Ford and his staff are hardly satisfied with how this season has played out. They never expected to contend for a Big 12 title, but they did count on making a strong play for inclusion on the NCAA dance card. Instead, the team has frustrated Ford from the get-go with its inconsistencies and lack of basketball IQ. Ford isn’t sitting still. Incoming super-recruit LeBryan Nash will infuse the team with an elite talent and Ford is looking for more, especially after cutting ties with former commitment Karron Johnson. The Cowboys are looking for a point guard, a shooting guard and help in the post. A new name to the point guard mix: Jeremy Jones, a Juco prospect at Seward Junior College. Academic issues hurt Jones out of high school, but he’s fast becoming a hot target. Along with the Cowboys, Jones is drawing interest from OU, Kansas State, Arizona State, Indiana, North Carolina, Arkansas and others.
2. Personnel Push. We’ve already seen Reger Dowell make a play for a more prominent role with two strong games back-to-back. Now’s the time for that, with Ford watching to see who’s serious about helping the team going forward. He’ll likely get Jarred Shaw and Roger Franklin more playing time, as both will be needed next year.
3. Alternate Postseason. The Cowboys would appear headed for the NIT, or one of the lesser postseason tournaments (CBI/CIT). With a couple of wins, OSU could secure its place in the NIT and make a case for hosting a first-round game.
4. Style Points. With Dowell gaining more and more exposure at the point, it’ll be interesting to see if the Cowboys pick up the pace in these final games. They’ve already made more of an attempt to attack the rim, and that’s one of Dowell’s major strengths. It’s also a style that figures to fit next year’s team, so why not start revving it up now?
5. Body Language. When there’s an emergence of new faces, somebody gets kicked to the curb. Ray Penn has already seen his playing time decrease and the Dowell experiment cuts into his PT further. In the second half at Kansas, Jéan-Paul Olukemi was left on the bench. How will those guys respond? The answers could be revealing on next season.
