Moving Past Kansas
By John Helsley
jhelsley@opubco.com
Matt Pilgrim couldn’t deny the buzz still circling his Cowboys Monday, a full two days after OSU’s stunning and convincing win over Kansas.
“To tell you the truth, I’ve still got a natural high from it,” said Pilgrim, who enjoyed a bit of a breakout with 18 points. “It felt good to play well in front of that national spotlight. It’s going to be unforgettable.”
Unforgettable perhaps, but Pilgrim didn’t mean the Pokes couldn’t or wouldn’t move past it. That’s not how coach Travis Ford rolls.
“Coach Ford is going to humble us so quick,” Pilgrim said before Monday’s practice. “There’s two things he’s good at, that’s motivating and humbling people. I may expect to practice an hour and 45 (minutes), but I know it’s going to be a tough hour and 45.”
Still, there are some things Pilgrim needs to cling to from the Kansas game, like just how good he can be. The junior forward continues to make strides in his first season at OSU, after sitting out last year at Kentucky as a transfer.
Saturday’s game should provide a leap in confidence for Pilgrim, who owned the interior against KU center Cole Aldrich, a projected first round NBA draft pick. Pilgrim has gone from early season starter, to reserve, to starter again. Oh, and impact player.
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