NCAA Basketball: Updated early top-25 rankings for 2021-22 after NBA Draft deadline

There was no drama or suspense for Oklahoma State with any NBA Draft decisions. But they will get the proud distinction of having the future No. 1 overall pick Cade Cunningham. He’s gone, along with senior guard Ferron Flavors. The good news is that the rest of the roster is back, including several quality pieces.

Look for Avery Anderson (12.0 ppg) to have a breakout campaign after playing second-fiddle to Cunningham last season. He and do-it-all guard Isaac Likelele will be the go-to guys on offense while rising sophomores Rondel Walker and Matthew-Alexander Moncrieffe will have larger roles as well. Kansas transfer and former five-star prospect Bryce Thompson will look to be a key part of the rotation, while forward Kalib Boone once again will be the top frontcourt player on the roster.

The Cowboys also have a pair of frontcourt transfers in Woody Newton (Syracuse) and Tyreek Smith (Texas Tech). This isn’t a big team and Cunningham covered many of their weaknesses last season, including a lack of depth and size inside. If either of these transfers can work out or Boone explodes as a junior, there will be enough balance and firepower for OK State to avoid a drop-off after Cunningham’s departure.