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Oregon State Basketball: Drew Eubanks’ return completes Beavers’ talented roster

By Connor Hope

Dec 30, 2016; Corvallis, OR, USA; Oregon State Beavers forward Drew Eubanks (12) shoots a free throw in the second half against the UCLA Bruins at Gill Coliseum. The Bruins won 76-63. Mandatory Credit: Scobel Wiggins-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; Corvallis, OR, USA; Oregon State Beavers forward Drew Eubanks (12) shoots a free throw in the second half against the UCLA Bruins at Gill Coliseum. The Bruins won 76-63. Mandatory Credit: Scobel Wiggins-USA TODAY Sports /
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After not receiving an invite to the NBA Draft Combine, Oregon State forward Drew Eubanks has withdrawn his name. He will join a pool of talent that could lift the Beavers to a successful year.

It is no secret that last season was an extremely disappointing one for the Oregon Beavers. Due to various injuries, the Beavers were only able to win five games, the fourth lowest in college basketball.

After this frustrating campaign, it was understandable that forward Drew Eubanks would rather go pro than endure another long year. With 14.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game, Eubanks did a great job of filling the whole created by Tres Tinkle’s injury.

Eubanks made the decision to declare for the draft but did not hire an agent, giving him the option of withdrawing before the May 24th deadline. While all seemed lost for Oregon State, recent developments have restored hope for the Beavers.

Both sophomore Tres Tinkle and senior Cheik N’Diaye were granted medical redshirts, keeping the two big men in Corvallis. Tinkle averaged 20.2 points and 8.3 rebounds in his six games last year.

In addition to the medical redshirts, young guards Stephen Thompson Jr. and Jaquori McLaughlin should provide the Beavers with a backcourt that rivals the rest of the Pac-12. Thompson’s younger brother Ethan will also join the team as a freshman, providing top-100 (per ESPN 100) talent off the bench.

Despite all this new and returning talent, the Beavers were in desperate need of a leader and NBA level talent. With Eubanks’ decision to return to Oregon State for his junior season, the Beavers are getting that leader.

Eubanks is one of four returning players who played in all 32 games last season, showing his leadership and skill. His performance of the course of the year brought him into NBA Draft consideration despite playing on a 1-16 team in the Pac-12.

Next: Rawle Alkins returns to Arizona

The Beavers will lean on the trio of Thompson Jr, Eubanks, and Tinkle to lead them to a competitive season. Eubanks, in particular, will need to step up, should he continue trying to raise his draft stock.

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