Big 12 Basketball: Way-too-early power rankings for 2024-25 season

13. Oklahoma State Cowboys

2023-24 season stats: 12-20 (4-14 Big 12)

After another disappointing finish, the Cowboys decided to keep head coach Michael Boynton for another season. But he has a full-blown rebuilding job on his hands. The top five scorers are all gone, including guards Javon Small, John-Michael Wright, and forwards Eric Dailey and Brandon Garrison.

The one key player that is back is Bryce Thompson, who averaged 11.6 ppg. He was limited to just 17 games due to injuries but he’s capable of being a lead guard at the Big 12 Basketball level. Joining him is Arturo Dean, who averaged 13.4 ppg and 4.0 apg at FIU. More importantly, Dean led the entire nation in steals at 3.4 per game.

Replacing the forwards are a pair of transfers who are familiar with Big 12 Basketball. Robert Jennings is a 6’7 forward from Texas Tech, coming off averaging 4.4 ppg and 2.3 rpg in 10 starts. Marchelus Avery is a 6’8 forward from UCF, who averaged 7.6 ppg and 4.0 rpg off the bench in 18 mpg. He could be a breakout candidate to watch with a large role with the Cowboys.

Jamyron Keller and Connor Dow are the remaining holdovers from the top-15 recruiting class a year ago. How they improve in the backcourt will go a long way in determining how good OK State will be next season. Because right now, they have plenty of work to do.