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NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Pros and cons of Anthony Black’s final options

By Tristan Freeman

March 8, 2022; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Julian Strawther (0) against the Saint Mary's Gaels during the first half in the finals of the WCC Basketball Championships at Orleans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
March 8, 2022; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Julian Strawther (0) against the Saint Mary's Gaels during the first half in the finals of the WCC Basketball Championships at Orleans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oklahoma State’s NCAA Basketball
Oklahoma State’s NCAA Basketball /

Oklahoma State Cowboys

Pros: He can be Cade Cunningham 2.0

That’s the main selling point that the coaching staff has been making for Black. And based on this past season, he could come in and potentially be their best player on the team next year. As expected, they took a step back without Cunningham, finishing .500 overall, although you can ask not having a postseason to play helped in the situation.

While Oklahoma State isn’t as good as either Arkansas or Gonzaga, they can offer Black much more playing time and wouldn’t risk being on the bench at all. He’d also be the focal point off the offense and have the ball in his hands as much as he wants, being the replacement and hopefully upgrade to Isaac Likekele.

Cons: Least likely option to make the NCAA Tournament

While I did use the qualifier that maybe the postseason ban affected their mindset during the season, Oklahoma State also just wasn’t good enough to get an at-large bid anyway. Avery Anderson led them in scoring at 12.1 ppg and there just wasn’t enough production overall. And losing Likekele and gaining Black isn’t going to be a major net-positive.

Outside of playing time, there isn’t much else that the Cowboys can sell. The current supporting cast has its limits, and the Big 12 is incredibly difficult. Plus, Black isn’t a 20 ppg scorer so having really good teammates is important to maximize his skillsets for NBA scouts. OK State might not be the ideal spot for that.

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