Oklahoma State basketball: Cowboys' season primer

Here is a breakdown of the Cowboys team:

Starters

G – Marcus Smart (6-4, Fr.): Ballyhooed recruit could be the straw that stirs the drink.

G – Markel Brown (6-3, Jr.): The mayor of Lob Stilly, Brown on the verge of a breakout.

G – Le'Bryan Nash (6-7, So.): After inconsistent debut, Nash says he's ready to turn it on.

F – Michael Cobbins (6-8, So.): Toe fracture will sideline him a month, yet a key inside element.

F – Kamari Murphy (6-8, Fr.): Hard-working forward will be asked to provide inside help early.

Rotation Candidates

F – Jéan-Paul Olukemi (6-6, Sr.): When healthy, provides veteran presence and production.

G – Phil Forte (5-11, Fr.): Keiton Page's replacement as a perimeter gunner.

C – Philip Jurick (6-11, Sr.): Shot blocker and rebounder could start once fully healthy.

F – Marek Soucek (7-0, So.): Has improved shape and toughness; will be needed.

G – Kirby Gardner (6-2, Jr.): Can play the point and offer scoring help off the bench.

Next In Line

G – Christien Sager (6-3, So.): Helped the depth-depleted Cowboys a year ago.

F – Mason Cox (6-10, Sr.): Walk-on offers a big body for practices and foul troubles.

G – Ford Stuen (6-2, Fr.): Travis Ford's nephew, walk-on recruited by several Division I schools.

G – Alex Budke (6-3, So.): Son of late Cowgirls coach Kurt Budke, a walk-on transfer from St. Gregory's.

On The Mend

G – Brian Williams (6-5, So.): Projected starter will miss the season following wrist surgery.