Travis Ford hasn't shown video clips of last year's Virginia Tech game to Le'Bryan Nash.
And maybe he shouldn't, at the risk of messing with Nash's current mojo.
That Nash — the one who went scoreless and looked lost and apathetic in one of the team's two losses to the Hokies a year ago — has been replaced by the new and so-far improved Nash.
This Nash, in his second season, shows signs of a new maturity and production level, a major component in Oklahoma State's rise to No. 15 in the rankings.
“Last year,” Nash said, “I'd play three good games, then the next thing you know, I'd have a five-point game. I'm just trying to stay consistent.”
Through five games, all Cowboys wins, Nash has epitomized consistency.
And Nash's focus on being reliable isn't just for his own benefit, it's for the benefit of the Cowboys. When he's on, OSU is good — Big 12 contender good.
Entering Saturday's trip to Virginia Tech — the Cowboys' first true road game — Nash has scored at least 16 points each time out, contributing to his team-leading 19.2 scoring average. Those points are coming differently, too, with Nash now willing to work inside when necessary, an approach he resisted as a freshman, when he preferred to drift around the perimeter and fire up jump shots and 3-pointers.
The evidence is in his frequent trips to the foul line, where he's already attempted 48 free throws, making 41 for a percentage of 85.4, contributing heavily to his strong start.
“I'm trying to lead the NCAA in free-throw attempts,” said Nash, who is also averaging 6.4 rebounds a game. “I'm just taking what the defense gives me. And I'm playing with my teammates. My teammates give me the ball in good situations, and when you have a scoring mentality, then defenses can't stop you. All they can do is foul you.”
