OSU Hoops: Who’s Your Five For 2011-12?
By John Helsley
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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.
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