Big 12 Basketball: Way-too-early power rankings for 2023-24 season

#4: Oklahoma State Cowboys

This may be one prediction that will make the casual fan do a double-take. Oklahoma State to finish fourth in the Big 12? In this economy? The fact is, the Cowboys are on the rise. Finally almost free of the scholarship restrictions that have plagued the team due to NCAA sanctions (the team will lose only one scholarship instead of three), head coach Mike Boynton is bringing a ton of talent to Stillwater with a recruiting class ranked around the top ten nationally.

Oklahoma State did the best with what they had this past year, just barely missing out on the NCAA Tournament. The team was loaded with seniors and featured an outstanding defense, but scoring was a problem. Most of those seniors still have a year of eligibility left, as does Moussa Cisse, one of the best defenders in the Big 12.

The hope is that the Pokes’ talented recruiting class will provide the scoring punch the team has been missing. That starts with the top-ranked prep player in Oklahoma, center Brandon Garrison, and continues with fellow four-stars Justin McBride and Eric Dailey. The most electric playmaker in the Cowboys’ class may just be guard Jamyron Keller, though. According to 247 Sports, Keller “combines his high motor with elite athleticism,” something this team really needs.

The year before being faced with scholarship sanctions, Oklahoma State made the second round of the tournament. With two extra scholarships, a stellar recruiting class, and plenty of experience still on the roster, Mike Boynton will take this team to the upper half of the Big 12.