Big 12 Basketball: Ranking of top 20 overall players since 2000
By Andrew Tineo
8. Marcus Smart – G Oklahoma State (2012-2014)
Career Stats (2 seasons): 16.6 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 4.5 APG, 2.9 SPG
Prior to Cade Cunningham, the highest-ranked recruit to commit to Oklahoma State was Marcus Smart. The former 9th overall ranked recruit from Flower Mound, TX immediately became the most exciting player to watch for Oklahoma State. The Cowboys at the time had not made it past the second round of the NCAA Tournament since 2005.
After missing back-to-back NCAA Tournaments, Smart would give them a boost as he was known for being an excellent on-ball defender, as well as, creating his own shot.
The freshman sensation would immediately become a household name, getting all of the Big 12 postseason awards, including Big 12 Player of the Year, 2nd Team All-American, and a finalist for the Wooden Award.
From a team standpoint, Smart would put the Cowboys to levels, they have never been since 2005. Oklahoma State would get ranked as high as #5 in the country and started out the season on a hot streak. However, they would discombobulate toward the end of the season, being a 9 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Smart’s success would not end there, with averaging 18 points the next season, to go along with almost three steals a game and 5.9 rebounds.
Even with the improved stats, Smart would have similar awards, racking in All-Big 12 First Team and Big 12 All-Defense. Smart made strides for the Cowboys and for a short period of time, were considered heavily along the national scale as being an Elite team.
Marcus Smart would end up being selected No. 6 in the 2014 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics. He has stayed there and been a very key piece for their success over the past six seasons.