NCAA Basketball: Top 25 team backcourts for 2021-22 season

The “Season of Cade” certainly elevated the Cowboys program to new heights last year. His departure and selection as the #1 overall pick in the NBA Draft was a definite victory for the program. Yet the team’s successes on the court last season were not solely because of Cunningham. Head coach Mike Boynton has done an excellent job in building strong depth in his program and his ability to do that in the wake of Cunningham’s departure this offseason cannot be overlooked.

The emergence of Avery Anderson behind Cunningham was a huge development for Oklahoma State in 2020. Anderson became a hugely impact and momentum-building player as the season progressed making his return this offseason even bigger towards the 2021 outlook. With another leap likely in the works, all-conference considerations cannot be kept out of the question.

The team also returns a reliable trio of guards in Isaac Likekele, Rondel Walker, and Bryce Williams. Each averaged over 7 PPG last season and stand to inherit a significant portion of the offensive opportunities left in the wake of Cunningham’s missing production. The trio is also strong defensive assets on the floor that will maintain the strong and physical nature of the Cowboys system on that side of the court.

Adding in sophomore Bryce Thompson from Kansas is truly an underrated piece to sprinkle in with this backcourt. Thompson’s numbers from last season are far from spectacular, but his energy off the bench was infectious for the Jayhawks. He was instrumental in transition and sparking runs for his team that led to strings of positive plays. Thompson now enters a more friendly playing situation, and his production stands to receive a rather significant bump.

Boynton’s group will be discounted nationally due to the loss of a #1 overall pick, which is understandable. However, this collection of guards should not be undermined from a talent perspective especially due to their contributions alongside Cunningham to become one of the biggest thorns in Big 12 play last season. The Cowboys aren’t going away quietly this year.