Oklahoma State men's basketball: Young fans are coming but — now it's time for the older folks to respond

You want affordable tickets? They're available, with prices on some of these early nonconference games going for $10 and $15.

You want a team to wrap your arms around and embrace? Get to know these Cowboys. Markel Brown and Cobbins start each day with Twitter messages of “Thanking God!” Newcomer Marcus Smart, while one of the nation's most talented freshmen, is as equally humble as skilled. By all accounts, Ford has assembled a roster of likable young men that play well together — on and off the court.

This is a transitional time of the year for college basketball, with football still relevant, the holidays approaching and the best hoops matchups still in the distance. For all the reminiscing of great nonconference crowds in days gone by, there were plenty of half-filled nights at GIA during previous regimes, too.

But there's a time coming — New Year's Eve against Gonzaga to be precise — when the Cowboys could benefit from the “Rowdiest Arena In The Country.”

A great crowd can swing a game, as Sutton's teams discovered many times. Will these Cowboys win every night? No. But they could win every home game, if the rowdy returns permanently to GIA.

Ford has made his appeal to the students, drawing a positive response.

Next: the devoted Cowboys fans of the past.

You are wanted.

And needed.