OSU-Texas: Five Things
Markel Brown figures to get the call to slow UT's J'Covan Brown. It's a key matchup, if the Longhorn is healthy.
By John Helsley
follow on Twitter @jjhelsley
OklahomaState’s 1-0 start to Big 12 Conference play stirred optimism – for a few days.
No reason to get carried away, the Cowboys’ win league-opening win over Texas Tech was expected, with the Red Raiders filling the role as Big 12 bottom feeder while Billy Gillispie sorts things out inLubbock.
Tonight’s game at Texasis a better barometer.
The Longhorns are a powerhouse in name only, left to rebuild when too many players bolted for the NBA last spring. Six freshmen play – and three start – in Rick Barnes’ nine-man rotation.
Of course, they’re good freshmen. AndTexasis 9-0 at home.
Still, the Horns, 10-4, don’t own any notable wins and have lost toOregon State,North CarolinaState,North CarolinaandIowaState. And their best player, junior J’Covan Brown – UT’s leading scorer at 19.3 ppg – is questionable tonight with a sprained ankle suffered in the Wednesday loss atIowaState.
So let’s see what the Cowboys got.
Five things to watch:
1. The Brown Dilemma. The news on UT’s Brown couldn’t come at a better time, with OSU’s Markel Brown still recovering from his butt-muscle strain. Markel is the Cowboys’ best defender and he’ll draw the assignment on J’Covan if he goes.
2. Noticing Nash. Let’s see how Le’Bryan Nash handles a road game back in his home state. The last time, in a game he highly anticipated in his hometown ofDallas, against SMU, it didn’t go so well: four points, four rebounds, 2-of-10 shooting. Nash is coming off perhaps his best effort against Tech, when he played with more energy and toughness, a must if he’s going to come close to approaching the player the Cowboys thought he could be.
3. The Frank Erwin Factor. Erwin is the man UT’s arena is named after. The Cowboys are 0-7 in their last seven trips to Erwin’s building. Overall, the Longhorns have won four straight in the series and 10 of 11.
4. Check Out TheCzech.Yes, I’ve used that before. And I’m sure to use it again. Can’t resist. Marek Soucek isn’t ready for a starring role with the Cowboys, not physically or mentally, as he continues to adjust to the American game. Still, he does some good things that are otherwise lacking from these Cowboys. Like shooting. And screening. And passing. He can help.
5. Paging Page. It’s always interesting to see what Big 12 coaches have in store for Keiton Page, who is riding a hot streak of late. Barnes is one of the league’s best, and you can bet he’ll work up something to pressure Page and force other Cowboys to prove they can score.
Those are a few of the storylines from here inAustin, where I’ll be tweeting throughout the game and, of course, writing this one up for the paper and newsok.com.
Keiton Page Deserves Better
OSU's Keiton Page (12) dribbles past Texas Tech defender Javarez Willis (5) in the first half of a men's college basketball game between the Oklahoma State University Cowboys and the Texas Tech University Red Raiders at Gallagher-Iba Arena in Stillwater, Okla., Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2012. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman
Opinions on Keiton Page vary widely.
And wildly.
I don’t get it.
The Cowboys haven’t been great this year – or last – but I shudder to think where they’d be without Page.
So he doesn’t pass the eye test. And he’s not the best athlete on the floor; heck, may be among the worst.
Maybe the Pokes have too many athletes. Page is a basketball player.
And a winner, lugging around a young team struggling to find its way, doing his best to will it to victories. And Wednesday night’s win over Texas Tech in a Big 12 opener – a must win, lest there be any doubt – featured Page pulling the Cowboys over the finish line again.
Happy to let Le’Bryan Nash shoulder the load early, Page answered the call when needed late. He finished with 23 points, the bulk of which came with the rest of the Cowboys tightening on the offensive end.
Page scored OSU’s final 12 points and 16 of its final 17.
And in his third game at the point, the Cowboys committed just two turnovers – a school record – with Page providing five assists.
What’s not to like?
After the game, Tech coach Billy Gillispie gushed about Page. And if you think it was just polite coachspeak, it sure didn’t play that way.
For two seasons now, Page has been the object of opponents’ bad intent, drawing major attention that makes it difficult for him to even catch the ball in a normal flow, let alone get shots. With OSU lacking true scoring options, teams focus first and foremost on slowing Page.
Bill Self. Rick Barnes. Frank Martin. All have saluted Page, whether verbally or by devising defensive schemes aimed primarily at him.
That, friends, is respect.
When James Anderson and Obi Muonelo were still around banging down shots, things were easier for Page, who often found himself left free to fire.
Those days are long gone.
So Page is asked to carry the load, as hard as that is for a 5-8 unspectacular athlete to pull off. And more often than not, he obliges. Beyond all that, no other Cowboy is as orange as Page, anOklahomakid with a sense of school history who always plays the good soldier, representing the program in good times and bad.
His reward: a mixed bag of love and hate.
C’mon, get off Page’s back.
His burden is heavy enough.
–
By John Helsley
jhelsley@opubco.com
follow on Twitter @jjhelsley
OSU-SMU: Five Things
By John Helsley
@jjhelsley
Because it’s December and it’s still too soon to surrender on the season, OSU’s game against SMU tonight inAmericanAirlinesCenteris big.
Big enough even to call a must-win, if – if – the Cowboys still hold NCAA Tournament hopes.
Bottom line: The Pokes are better than SMU. They should win this game; not that just being better has assured anything this season. There hasn’t been a game yet in which you came away from a Cowboys win thinking they really looked good or produced a complete effort.
Still, let’s go on the assumption that OSU has the better players and should win. And forget theDallaslocale, this won’t be some sort of home-court advantage for SMU.
So it’s must-win.
Here are five things to watch:
1. The Point Plan. Keiton Page surely gets the nod at the point, a move necessitated by the failure of the other three guys to hold that spot – Fred Gulley, Reger Dowell and Cezar Guerrero. Of course, Gulley and Dowell have since left the program. Guerrero’s playing time figures to get a major bump. But it’s mostly about Page. And while a lot of folks have claimed this is what they’ve all been waiting for, it’s not ideal, for Page or the Pokes. Remember, Page was pushed to the point for a while last year. And it didn’t work out so well. Opponents pressured Page all the way up the floor, making him labor just to get the ball past midcourt. It wore him down on the offensive end, affecting his playmaking ability as well as his scoring ability.
2. Nash’s Homecoming. For freshman Le’Bryan Nash, this game represents a return home to theDallasarea where he starred as a prep player. How will he respond? Will it fire him up? Will he try to do too much? The Cowboys need Nash at his best.
3. The Rotation. Previously, a rotation that stretched as many as 10 deep created problems for Cowboys coach Travis Ford, who had to try to manage playing time for so many deserving players. With Gulley and Dowell now gone, some of that has been alleviated. Will that mean increased time for Brian Williams or even Marek Soucek?
4. About The Mustangs. SMU was pretty good a year ago, winning 20 games. But these aren’t those Mustangs. Even at 7-4, they don’t own a quality win and have lost toColoradoState,FresnoState, Oral Roberts andJacksonState. Did we say must-win?
5. Defining Roles. The buzz word surrounding this OSU team early was versatility. Now, you have to wonder if mixing and matching players and working guys at different positions may have set them back, with guys not fully recognizing their roles. That’s sure the way it’s looked. Maybe the trimmed roster allows for better definition.
Point Of Emphasis: What Do The Cowboys Do Now?
Cezar Guerrero is the point guard of the future. Is that future now?
By John Helsley
jhelsley@opubco.com
follow on Twitter @jjhelsley
Just last week, Reger Dowell talked excitedly about OSU’s game against SMU (coming up Wednesday night atAmericanAirlinesCenter), which offered a return home for theDallasarea product. Dowell was a high school standout at nearbyDuncanvilleand relished the chance to play before family and friends.
Presumably, Dowell is already home, having left the Cowboys program as the latest defector from the recruiting class of 2009.
Dowell’s departure appears curious on the surface, as his profile as the point guard on the team had seemingly been enhanced with Fred Gulley’s exit a week earlier.
Except Dowell’s rise in status was apparently brief.
The Cowboys, struggling to find an offensive identity – with point guard play a considerable factor in the ongoing struggles – seem ready to turn back to Keiton Page at the point.
Page, who played there some a year ago, offers the most stability and leadership, although his perimeter offense has typically suffered when he’s running the point. But then, Page’s offense was already suffering in a stagnant system that made it a challenge for him to even shake free for shots.
And with the season a teetering disappointment at 6-5, Cowboys coach Travis Ford seemingly has seen enough, and will place the offense in the hands of the one player he trusts the most: Page.
Freshman Cezar Guerrero, the point guard of the future, remains in place. His role should increase, either in sharing the position – allowing Page to still play predominantly at the 2 – or as a backup receiving significant minutes.
So, what to make of Gulley and Dowell leaving two weeks apart?
The answer is probably complex.
This we know: Ford is hard on point guards, as a former point guard with high standards himself. Gulley’s former Twitter photo was a shot of him standing there, taking a serious tail-chewing from Ford on the sideline.
This we also know: since Byron Eaton’s senior season, the Cowboys have gotten little from the point, rolling through several players at the position. Few assists. Few points. Fewer and fewer wins.
This season was no different, with Gulley, Dowell and Guerrero all failing to seize opportunity. It all comes down to playing the way Ford wants them to play, which is unselfishly. It’s his way or…
And that brings us back to the 2009 recruiting class, Ford’s first at OSU. From that group, all three point guards – Gulley, Dowell and Ray Penn – have all bolted from an overall group of defectors that stands at a staggering six players, seven if you count Karron Johnson, who signed but never made it toStillwater.
Jarred Shaw, Roger Franklin and Torin Walker have also moved on, making for the washout of an entire recruiting class.
What to make of that?
Well, in hindsight, a class that was originally highly ranked has been revealed as something far less. As players, no one from that list will be missed with great regret.
Still, that many players bailing out doesn’t look good. And some of them could have been solid role players, although they’d first have to accept such a role. Guys today are less inclined to think of themselves as anything less than stars.
Going forward, Ford would be wise to get Guerrero as much time at the point as possible, as he’s clearly the guy going forward.
Phil Forte, signed in November, is more of a shooter, although he could help at the point. And there’s no one else coming who projects as a point guard, although the Cowboys will surely be on the search again with scholarships opened up.
In the meantime, the Cowboys will have a different look going forward this season. And, considering what we’ve seen, that may not be all bad.
OSU Hoops: Taking Manhattan?
Markel Brown could get the call for slowing Pitt's Ashton Gibbs.
By John Helsley
follow on Twitter @jjhelsley
Sitting there in JQH Arena Wednesday night, watching the Cowboys fall behind by 12 early in the second half – following a fading performance to the first half – I couldn’t help but think, ‘Here they go again.”
With a road losing streak dating back to February of 2010, it looked like just another disappointing excursion away from home.
Then something happened, giving the Cowboys and their fans reason for hope.
A team struggling to reveal an identity, revealed some fight and toughness in an enemy arena that while hardly hostile, was still energized and fully against them.
The Pokes made plays.
They made shots.
They got stops.
They made free throws!
And, again on the optimistic side, a squad heavy on freshmen and sophomores took a step toward growing up.
“It’s a huge step for us,” said senior guard and captain Keiton Page. “We know how tough it is (on the road). When you go out there and play like a team, like that, we can be really good.”
Now comes a very different challenge: No. 15 Pitt, today at 1:30 p.m., inside Madison Square Garden.
This is a game Cowboys players have anticipated in scanning a difficult nonconference schedule. Their last trip to the Big Apple didn’t go so well. They hope they’ve indeed grown in this return for an ESPN2 event.
They better have, as this figures to be their toughest test – to date, and perhaps for this entire season.
This collection of Cowboys has upside – a dangerous word.
Five thoughts on the Pokes entering into the Pitt game:
1. The roster is deep with talented pieces. And a lot of different guys contributed in the 72-67 win over Missouri State, a team picked to win the Missouri Valley Conference.
But the task for OSU coach Travis Ford remains putting those pieces together in the right combinations and finding an offensive flow that fits their skills, of which shooting and post offense are not a part of.
Ford has begun tightening his use of the roster – more on that to come in Monday’s Insider edition in The Oklahoman – and more is in order, particularly today.
2. Le’Bryan Nash, the famed freshman, may be figuring things out somewhat, although the process will take time. The Cowboys need Nash to man up, which he did at Missouri State, playing aggressively and with a toughness, giving his team scoring and rebounding down the stretch.
Finally, we’re seeing that he can be a go-to type of scorer on the offensive end. The Cowboys went to him Wednesday and he responded.
3. Philip Jurick is turning out to be a great find and addition. But he must avoid foul trouble. He’s OSU’s only real power presence in the post, able to offer some physicality. And while he should be aggressive in going for blocked shots, a great deterrent for opposing teams, he can’t help if he’s on the bench with fouls.
4. Pitt is good, really good, maybe even Final Four good. The Panthers took a tumble in the rankings when they lost at home 86-76 to Long Beach State in mid-November. Pitt has won six straight since. And the Panthers are led by a tough senior tandem of Ashton Gibbs and Nasir Robinson. Gibbs is big-time good and he could prove troublesome for the Cowboys today. Pitt, like OSU, also has a dynamic freshman in 6-9 forward Khem Birch.
5. Winning today will be tough, extremely tough. But the Cowboys need to at least play well. The Missouri State win was a solid win on the road and it couldn’t have come at a better time, with confidence in danger of slipping and the Panthers next. That win bought the Pokes some time, win or lose in Manhattan. Still, a poor effort could surrender some of those positives.
Marek Soucek: Ford’s Find Comes To Fruition
By John Helsley
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Travis Ford found himself in need of some size.
His 2011-12 Cowboys’ roster offered appeal, with athletes galore ready to run and gun – he promises! – and finally fulfill the need for speed suggested when he arrived from UMass.
Still, something was missing: big bodies.
That sent Ford searching – clear to the Czech Republic.
When Marek Soucek landed in Oklahoma late Thursday evening and made the drive into Stillwater, Ford had not only a legit 7-footer, but one styled for the up-tempo plans of the season ahead.
“We were late in the game looking for a big man and came across Marek and heard a lot about him, did some background work and got some film on him,” Ford said. “We watched a lot of film, then made contact to his high school coach and kind of went from there.
“Marek does fit our style of play, for somebody who can shoot the ball the way he does with his size. His coach knew our style and had watched our teams play and his first comment was that this would be the perfect fit for Marek.”
Ford’s pursuit of Soucek began months ago, but was kept hush-hush as the Cowboys coach worked to get the young Czech’s class work verified here through the NCAA. Once complete, OSU had to provide a visa for Soucek to take to the embassy there, clearing the way for a passport and his ticket to, eventually, Stillwater, hopefully before any of the other interested schools – Maryland, Washington, Seton Hall, Gonzaga, to name a few – pounced, too.
Now he’s a Cowboy. And the Cowboys are anxious to see just what they’ve got.
Ford nor his coaches had seen Soucek in person until Thursday night, going only on what they saw on film. Ford joked that he told assistant Steve Middleton, who picked Soucek up at the airport, to “send him back home if he turns up 6-foot-4.”
A look at Soucek’s game on YouTube, however, proved plenty tempting.
The big man is skilled, with a smooth outside shot, the ability to score inside with his left or right hand, a deft passing touch and no fear of mixing it up either, like some big men trained in the European game.
“A lot of times, these foreign players do bring great fundamentals,” Ford said. “He’s played against good competition. We’re excited to get him in here to adapt to our team and adapt to the state and to school.
“There’s always an adjustment period. But all the players are excited, which is fun. They’ve all been asking about him. And that’s the type of team we have – anybody that can help us be successful, they’re all for it.
“This team has embraced it and is excited about it and has almost been giddy about it.”
Soucek acknowledges the transition. And he embraces it, too.
“I’m missing so many I love,” Soucek said. “I know in a few days it will be OK. I think it will help my basketball and my life. That’s why I wanted to go to Oklahoma State, because I can play basketball at the highest level and study.”
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.
Nash Scores and More
By John Helsley
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The obvious assumption upon LeBryan Nash’s signing with Oklahoma State hinted at some influence from Nash’s half-brother, former Cowboy Byron Eaton.
LeBryan Nash competes in the slam dunk contest at the McDonald's High School All American basketball Jam Fest at Chicago State University in Chicago, Monday, March 28, 2011. Nash won the contest. (AP Photo/Brian Kersey)
And while Eaton’s OSU career offered a younger Nash reasons to attend Cowboys games — which he did, several times – don’t overplay that connection. Nash has long credited Travis Ford as the tipping point in his desire to go orange and black. And while at 39th Annual Derby Festival Basketball Classic in Louisville over the weekend, Nash reiterated that fact, as the locals pressed him on his coach and former Kentucky star.
“Every time I walked around, somebody has got something to say about him,” Nash told the Louisville Courier-Journal. “That’s why I committed to Oklahoma State. He’s a great coach who is going to push me and hopefully get me to the next level.”
Nash admitted to not knowing so much about Travis Ford, the player.
“He was a shooter, I know he was a shooter,” Nash said. “He knew how to control the offense and can show me how to play point guard when I’m there.”
Point guard? Consider that another tip on how the Cowboys want to play next season — fast. Ford, too, has hinted at putting the ball in Nash’s hands out front; probably not full-time, with Reger Dowell returning and Cezar Guerrero coming in. But expect to see some of it.
As for the Classic, Nash produced 19 points, six rebounds and three assists in 22 minutes. Reports suggested he was one of the most athletic players on the floor.
Nash’s athleticism couldn’t land him another dunk contest title, although he was a crowd favorite. Nash, who won the McDonald’s All-American Jam Fest dunk contest in Chicago, produced two dunks that wowed the crowd, including one in which he passed — behind his back to himself – off the backboard for a throwdown.
While the crowd approved, the judges graded Nash a bit harsher, drawing boos from those in attendance.
“I think that dunk was a better dunk than they gave me,” Nash said. “The fans know I should have won and I know I should have won, but the judges didn’t give it to me.”
Guerrero’s Emotional Day
Can Cezar Guerrero provide an immediate impact for OSU?
By John Helsley
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Word from California Wednesday told of what an emotional time it was for Cezar Guerrero, the prep point guard who signed with Oklahoma State on the first day of the early signing period. During a ceremony at his school, St. John Bosco, Guerrero fought back tears several times while realizing his dream of playing “big-time college basketball.”
It wasn’t all about Guerrero, either, as he thanked his coaches and teammates and his mother and a lot of other folks for all their support. He told his teammates he loved them and at one point, tears were flowing throughout the room.
Guerrero’s emotional speech, as well as a story on his big day can be found at this Los Angeles news site.
I talked to Guerrero, who goes by C.J., on Tuesday and he was excited about becoming a Cowboy.
“I’m looking forward to being there, experiencing new things and playing basketball in a big conference,” he said. “I want to meet new people and start a new life, a college life.”
Guerrero said he realizes he’ll be a long way from home in Stillwater, in terms of miles and culture. But he said he’s looking forward to that, too.
“I chose OSU because of coach Travis Ford, he’s a player’s coach, a real good teacher of the game. But also the facilities, the environment and the people around there and how nice they are. They have a lot of manners, where over here in Los Angeles, it’s a lot different.
“I wanted to make the transition from the city life to being more focused. Stillwater’s a small town. It’s pretty much focused on sports.
“I wanted to go somewhere where they have great facilities, a great coach and somewhere where I can focus and achieve my dream.”
Guerrero admits to a bit of trepidation in being so far from all the people he loves. But he said embraces the opportunity.
“I’m somewhat (anxious), but it’s not really a big factor. In life, you always have to take risks to go somewhere. Here’s my risk, going to Oklahoma State, a long way from home.”
OSU Hoops: Who’s Your Five For 2011-12?
Did Reger Dowell do enough to solidify his status at the point for 2011-12?
By John Helsley
follow on Twitter @jjhelsley
As we close the book on the 2010-11 Cowboys hoops season, it’s easy to look ahead to next year.
This season was disappointing in many ways and next year offers much more optimism, with expected growth for OSU’s young players and the anticipated arrival of LeBryan Nash and Cezar Guerrero, if not a big man to add to the recruiting list.
One of the fun things to ponder going forward: Who will be the starting five?
There could be serious competition, especially if Darrell Williams is cleared from his legal troubles and rejoins the team. Consider the contenders for a starting role:
G Keiton Page. A senior and three-year starter, Page will benefit from what should be a permanent place at the off guard spot, where he can concentrate on perimeter shooting.
G Jéan-Paul Olukemi. Had his ups and downs, with the latter coming especially on the road. His adjustment to Big 12 basketball took time, but revealed progress. His offseason should be focused on diversifying his offensive game and learning to play hard for 40 minutes.
G Markel Brown. Exciting freshman gained confidence as the season moved along. An inconsistent shot is the only keeping him from being a big-time scorer. He’ll put up thousands of shots in the offseason in an effort to improve.
G Reger Dowell. His explosiveness off the dribble is as good as anyone in the Big 12. And he has scoring skills. But to be a long-term answer at the point, he needs work as a playmaker. He didn’t have a single assist in the NIT loss to Washington State.
F Darrell Williams. He was just starting to get it, when his season was shut down amid rape charges. His status for 2011-12 is unknown.
F Mike Cobbins. Redshirted this year and needs to add bulk, but everybody around the program believes he’ll be a dynamic player for the Cowboys. And if OSU turns up the tempo next season, he’ll fit right in with that scenario.
G/F LeBryan Nash. All the talent scouts confirm that Nash is a superstar. The big questions appear to be whether he can play hard all the time and how he’ll fit in.
G Cezar Guerrero. Should at least share the point with Dowell, joining the Cowboys as a guy who can score and run an offense. He’ll give the Cowboys a guy who can create offense for himself and teammates.
Who do you like for the starting five? Send me suggestions and an explanation why, either here or at jhelsley@opubco.com.
As always, send me any questions or comments, too.
