Oklahoma State basketball: A peek at Travis Ford's holiday wish list

Reliable road map. For the Cowboys to blossom into a Big 12 contender, they'll have to do some damage on the road. And the road has been a scary place for Ford's teams, which have gone 10-31 in true road games — 6-27 in enemy Big 12 arenas — over four seasons. That can't continue, especially with so many league teams appearing vulnerable. Ford and his staff must identify factors, whatever they are, to flip history. Better players should help. Still, the veterans have little road success to lean on and the newcomers will be finding their way.

Crowded house. Theories abound on why attendance is down at Gallagher-Iba Arena. And frankly, they're a bit tired. Instead, how about a reason for a return of the “rowdiest arena in the country”: these Cowboys could be on the verge of a special season, with a talented cast that plays hard, is fun to watch and easy to pull for. Ford keeps saying it, they'd appreciate more support. A great home environment can lift a team. With this team, a good lift could be enough to hoist them toward the top of the Big 12.