Oregon State Basketball: 2017-18 season preview for the Beavers

Oregon State basketball will look to get back on track in 2017-18 after last season’s big injuries and lack of depth led to a 12^th place finish in the Pac-12.

Despite several moments of struggle last season, there is hope for Oregon State basketball to have a major resurgence in store. Is there a potential NCAA Tournament bid in their future or will that have to wait? Let’s check out their starting five and what else is to come for the Beavers in 2017-18.

Projected Starting Five

Guard: Jaquori McLaughlin (Sophomore)

It was extremely fun to watch the development of Jaquori McLaughlin over the course of last season. Heading into his sophomore campaign, McLaughlin will need to step up even more, limiting his turnovers and taking more efficient shots. With the amount of scoring talent from the remaining starters, McLaughlin could easily be toward the top of the Pac-12 in assists.

Guard: Stephen Thompson Jr. (Junior)

Stephen Thompson was Oregon State’s top scorer last season, recording 16.3 points per game, and is also a pesky defender, generating 1.4 steals. With more options around him this season, Thompson will not face the same defensive pressure as last season, which inevitably led to a .397 shooting percentage.

Guard: Ethan Thompson (Freshman)

Perhaps the biggest reason for Beaver fans to be excited is the arrival of freshman guard Ethan Thompson, the younger brother of Stephen Thompson. Ethan comes in as a four-star recruit who averaged 23 points and 8 rebounds per game in high school. He will be a solid addition to an Oregon State team that is in need of an explosive guard who can score in bunches.

Forward: Tres Tinkle (Redshirt Sophomore)

Tres Tinkle has shown all the signs of a Pac-12 star in the making. Before an injury sidelined the coach’s son last year, Tinkle was averaging 20.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 2.2 steals and 0.8 blocks per game. While these numbers came during the easier part of Oregon State’s non-conference schedule, Tinkle still showed that, as long as his health isn’t an issue, he can compete at an All-Pac-12 level of play.

Forward: Drew Eubanks (Junior)

The Beavers’ biggest win this offseason was retaining big man Drew Eubanks, who initially declared for the NBA Draft after averaging 14.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game for the season. One of the few bright spots during an otherwise dark season for Oregon State, Eubanks showed toughness and grit while becoming one of the best interior players in the Pac-12.