Oklahoma State basketball: Jéan-Paul Olukemi hoping to make another comeback

And Olukemi didn't look one bit out of place, despite his mismatched warm-up gear or his forget-me-not status as an injury victim long lost for the season.

It's been that way all along for Olukemi, as he's watched the Cowboys rising win total and stature with no hint of bitterness for his own season gone awry.

“This team is really close,” said Olukemi. “I think going on that Spain trip, we really became like brothers. We have a love for each other and no matter who's down, or who's going through anything, there's still great feeling for your brother.

“That's how I think it would be in a real family. And that's how it is with us.”

Olukemi has needed his basketball family, for all he's been through.

He tore ligaments in his right knee a year ago, robbing him of the Big 12 Conference portion of the schedule, then sweated through not only rehab, but a difficult appeal process with the NCAA to regain eligibility for this season.

Back from all that, Olukemi opened the season in the starting lineup for another go at his senior season. But in OSU's second game at the Puerto Rico Tip-Off, he landed awkwardly in the lane, this time blowing out his left knee.

“I was devastated,” Olukemi said, “because I got an opportunity to play again, the NCAA granted my full year back. I was really just so excited, like a little kid at Disneyland, being able to play the game I love so much.

“Then when it was taken again, it crushed me. But God doesn't give you anything you can't handle. I'm just continuing to pray and do everything I can on my end.”

Olukemi is back at the rehab, 2 to 2 1/2 hours a day spent strengthening not only his knee and leg, but the rest of his body, too.

And he's back with his boys, providing support and encouragement and even a bit of constructive criticism, too, if necessary. He'll be there in Kansas City on Thursday night, too, when the Cowboys take on Baylor in their first game in the Big 12 Tournament.