Big 12 Basketball: Way-too-early power rankings for 2021-22 season
By Andrew Tineo
4. Oklahoma State Cowboys
Projected Starting Lineup:
PG: Isaac Likekele
SG: Avery Anderson III
SF: Rondel Walker
PF: Matthew-Alexander Moncrieffe
C: Kalib Boone
Cade Cunningham is off to the NBA and is time for Mike Boynton to groom his next star. A huge addition to the 2021-2022 team comes from the return of Avery Anderson III. Anderson III averaged 12.2 points last season, leading the team to a top-four seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Boone came on as a big presence a year ago down low and Rondel Walker is still a very talented player, being a former five-star. Likekele returns for yet another season, as Oklahoma State’s starting five is very strong.
The bench and who will become the go-to starters will be key for the Cowboys’ success in 2021-2022. Keylan Boone had a fine season, alongside some help from Bernard Kouma during the back half of the season. The Cowboys are also hoping Bryce Williams recovers well from his injury.
The Cowboys will be tested in non-conference play, with the potential of playing Gonzaga in the 2k Empire Classic. It’s a four-team tournament that also consists of Louisville and Providence.
Oklahoma State has options and reliable guys that can score often. How consistently they will put it together will dictate the Cowboys. With all of the mass shifting within college basketball,
One of the latest additions to the squad has been former five-star and Kansas transfer Bryce Thompson. The question is how much immediate playing time he can get. Likekele is becoming the Perry Ellis of Oklahoma State and Anderson III had many stand-out performances.
Final Record: 23-8 (11-7)