Cowboys Hoops: Live From San Jose!

Marcus Smart has that look.

Random thoughts as the countdown to Madness – OklahomaState style – draws near…

√ The Cowboys have been really loose, dating back to Selection Sunday. They may be young, but they don’t appear at all awed by the stage. During yesterday’s workout inside HP Pavilion, there was a fun feel, with players at ease, free flowing and enjoying the moment. Shots were going down, too, which is always a good sign. Eavesdropping yesterday, someone asked an OSU official if the Cowboys might show up tight. The response: “They may be too young to be tight.” 

√ Travis Ford, on the other hand, seemed tighter than normal. Now, he was feeling under the weather to some degree, to the point that he required some medication from the training staff. After two years away from NCAA Tournament, Ford has guided a strong turnaround and has a team capable of getting out of San Jose and into the Sweet 16 – further than he’s ever been.

√ Marcus Smart has that look. We’ve seen it at times in games this season, where he dials in and takes over a game. Well, he seems to already be in that mode. And that’s a good thing, considering the focus is on the point guard spot today. I wrote about that today – here’s a link. Check out Smart’s comments on the matchup. Sounds like he’s ready, huh?

√ The X Factor. Who is it? Le’Bryan Nash often draws the nod, because of his up-and-down habits. Yet lately, Nash has been more consistent with his production. He doesn’t always get off to a fast start, but he’s been reliable in the end. Phil Forte is another candidate, especially if Oregon resorts to a heavy dose of zone, which some expect. But my X-Factor tag goes to Michael Cobbins. The Ducks go to the boards hard, especially on the offensive end. And that’s been an achilles heel for the Cowboys at times. Cobbins must consider rebounding as Job One.