Pac-12 Basketball: Breaking down the 2017-18 star on each team in the conference

Oregon State Beavers – Tres Tinkle

After he missed most of the 2016-17 season with an injury, it is understandable to be tentative when evaluating Tres Tinkle. However, if the Beaver forward can remain healthy, he could be one of the best players in the Pac-12.

Tinkle had a monster start to last season before a broken wrist knocked him out for the remainder of the year. In his six games, Tinkle averaged 20.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.2 steals. His most impressive performance came in the game against Fresno State, in which he recorded 31 points, 10 rebounds, and six steals.

In a recent trip to Spain, Tinkle continued this dominance, averaging 18.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 3.3 steals over the team’s four games.

Tinkle will be the centerpiece of an Oregon State team that looks like it is poised for a massive rebound from last year’s disappointment. While the Beavers finished the year in last place, they were without Tinkle and Cheikh N’Diaye for the entire Pac-12 slate.

Oregon State is a team that could surprise a lot of people this season. Tinkle and N’Diaye are both healthy, Drew Eubanks decided to forgo the draft, and their backcourt looks strong with Jaquori McLaughlin, Stephen Thompson and Ethan Thompson. This is a team with the talent to compete for a NCAA Tournament bid, and Tres Tinkle is a big reason why.