Toward the development of Oklahoma State's youthful core.
Toward the hopeful return of Jéan-Paul Olukemi and Darrell Williams off the shelf.
Toward the additions of recruits Marcus Smart, Phil Forte and Kamari Murphy and whoever Ford and his staff fit into the fold.
That doesn't mean Ford is surrendering on this season, or the team's one senior, Keiton Page.
Far from it.
After Saturday's home loss to Kansas State, Ford saluted a strong crowd of 9,000 or so.
And he implored OSU followers to keep the support coming, for the kids, but also for Page.
“I can't tell you how many people,” Ford said, “as I was walking out of the gym and they were walking out, saying ‘Hey, we are behind you. Travis, we are behind you. Tell the team.'
“We really appreciate it. That means a lot because if there is any reason to come watch these guys play, the future is good. These guys are giving it everything they have got. They are playing extremely hard. We are playing good defense. We are the youngest team in America, somebody told me yesterday. Our kids are getting after it.
“If you need another reason to come (watch us) play, come watch one of the greatest players to ever play at Oklahoma State in Keiton Page, period.”
This can't be how Page envisioned his final season.
Without Olukemi and Williams to shoulder some of the load, and with Fred Gulley and Reger Dowell bailing midseason, Page is left to usher along OSU's next wave.
The lone senior, he's regularly thrust in the role of Lone Ranger with the burdensome task of carrying the offense.
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