Xavier at Oklahoma State: 2021-22 key storylines for non-conference matchup

Kalib Boone’s contribution

Whether it be starting the season third on the depth chart at center as well as a power forward or it was playing eighteen minutes and scoring twenty points in their win versus North Carolina State or in their most recent game playing ten minutes and making one shot, or missing two games due to shoulder soreness, the Kalib Boone that comes to play on Sunday will have an impact on the final score.

This, however, is not solely in the hands of Boone himself, Head Coach Michael Boynton has influence in terms of playing time, and he has exercised that influence throughout the Cowboys’ first eight games. The Cowboys currently have eleven players averaging nine minutes or more, Boone averages the second-fewest, yet is tied for being the team’s second-leading scorer, just half a point shy of being the team leader.

In his effort to have a record worthy of making the NCAA Tournament – despite being ineligible – for the second straight season, Coach Boyton has been utilizing his bench and has been rewarded accordingly.

Such was the case when the Cowboys’ bench scored 56 points versus N.C State, twenty of which were from Boone. Between Bryce Thompson and Kalib Boone, the Cowboys’ bench is well stocked, and hopefully, for the Cowboys, Boone will be a little more consistent on Sunday.