We continue our recruit and return series with the Oklahoma State Cowboys, whose season ended Friday with a loss to Michigan in the Midwest Region. Here's a look at what the 2017-18 season could hold:
Possible 2017-18 starting five:
G: Zack Dawson (freshman)
Who is lost: Jawun Evans and Phil Forte III comprised one of the best backcourts in the Big 12, if not nationally, the past couple of seasons -- and there’s a chance that they'll both be gone next season. Forte is a senior, so he’s definitely finished in Stillwater. An elite shooter, Forte bounced back from an injury-shortened 2015-16 season to provide a consistent scorer alongside Evans. Evans could leave early for the NBA, and based on the Cowboys’ pitch to five-star guard Trae Young (who committed to Oklahoma), they expect Evans to go pro. He’s a terrific two-way player and established himself as one of the top point guards in the country this past season. Starting forward Leyton Hammonds is a senior, and his inside-outside skills will be gone as well.
Who is added: Coach Brad Underwood made a strong play for Young after he took over in Stillwater, but the Cowboys fell short. Despite that, Underwood is bringing in a very solid recruiting class, one that has three four-star prospects. Dawson is the most highly touted of the group, as he is ranked in the ESPN 100. The Miami native point guard could start as a freshman if Evans leaves. Four-star point guard Amauri Hardy has shown flashes as a potential impact player and should provide depth. Another Miami product, Latravian Glover, is a long and athletic combo forward who should fit well in Oklahoma State’s up-tempo system. Rounding out the class is European forward Souleymane Diakite. There’s also St. John’s transfer Yankuba Sima, who will be eligible at the semester break. He’s a very good defender and rebounder on the inside.
What it means for next season: If Oklahoma State does lose Evans, it will be difficult for Underwood, as he’ll need to revamp his backcourt. He has some options on the perimeter, with Dawson and Hardy entering the program and the returns of Averette, Waters and Davon Dillard -- all of whom played key roles off the bench this past season. Waters might be the most intriguing of the trio, given his size and shooting ability. Jeffrey Carroll should establish himself as one of the best forwards in the Big 12, after proving to be a matchup nightmare in his junior season. Solomon returns to start at center, though role players such as Cameron McGriff will push for bigger roles in the frontcourt.
Trending: Down. Underwood did a terrific job at Oklahoma State during his first season in charge, but it will be tough to maintain this pace if Evans turns pro. If he does return, the Cowboys will push for the NCAA tournament again.