Previewing OSU's Basketball Schedule: Non-Conference Part 4

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In anticipation of the start of basketball season,  we are breaking down all 23 teams on OSU's schedule. If you missed them,  check out PART ONE,  PART TWO,  and PART THREE.Oklahoma State's close-out stretch of the non-conference schedule includes; two very winnable home games https://www.mthoutlet.com/Shane_Simmons_Jersey-147,  a great weekend road match-up,  and a decent home game in the Big12SEC Challenge. Let's take a look: Player to Watch:Robinson is the only returning starter or double digit scorer. Berry only started 10 games. The player I'm most interested in is Travon Harper. He transferred in from Mississippi Delta Community College,  where he averaged 16 points,  seven rebounds,  two assists and one block per game last season. The 6-foot-8 forwardcenter should take a starting position this season. This team only averaged 57.2 points per game last season. I don't think a collection of transfers is going help improve an offense that ranked dead last in the SWAC last season. Last year OSU won 86-72. I expect an even better result this year.Quote From The Enemy:"I think this team has a chance at greatness and to achieve something that's never been done before." - Head Coach George Ivory  Player To Watch:Sophomore forward Markis McDuffie was named to the Missouri Valley's preseason first team. Coming off the bench last season,  he averaged 7.4 points on 42 percent shooting. He also averaged 3.3 rebounds which was third best on the team. Junior center Shaquille Morris was named to the Missouri Valley's preseason.Game Outlook:Wichita State's strength will be inside,  with McDuffie,  Morris,  and Brown returning. I still think that's where OSU is going to struggle the most. However,  with the Shocker's two best players https://www.mthoutlet.com/John_Mcconnell_Jersey-130,  VanFleet and Baker gone,  OSU's talent and experience in the backcourt should help balance the game out. This will be OSU's last chance for a statement win in the non-conference so I expect a good,  close game. However,  considering the Shockers have lost at home only once in the last three season,  I'm not sure I can call for a victory.Quote From The Enemy:We've got a lot of guys that can make a play at the end of the clock. We have a lot of guys that are talented and skillful enough to create a shot for themselves or for some other player. - Head Coach Greg Marshall  Player To Watch:The Islanders best player last season,  is the only returning starter. Preseason All-Conference First Teamer Rashawn Thomas led the team in points and rebounds. He was also the conference Defensive Player of the Year last season,  with 2.4 blocks a game. He will obviously be the guy to keep an eye one. Another guy to watch; Junior guard Ehab Amin who had 8.6 points off the bench last season. He only averaged 18 minutes a game,  so if his usage increases his production should as well.Game Outlook:The final Southland team on the schedule. The Islanders return nine players from last season,  but lost eight seniors. They have players with experience,  but the team is all going to run through one guy. Shut down Thomas,  shut down the Islanders. Underwood only lost one conference game while at Stephen F. Austin. It was to the Islanders. Underwood was 5-1 against Texas AM-CC,  with an average margin of victory of 11.8 points. I don't see the Islanders handing Underwood a second loss,  especially while replacing four starters.Quote From The Enemy:Everything we do is going to start with Rashawn Thomas. He is a willing guy. He can score the ball,  he can pass the ball https://www.mthoutlet.com/Rahmod_Smith_Jersey-203,  he can put it down on the deck,  he can rebound it and work out of the post.  He's also the preseason SEC MVP pick. The Hogs were No. 22 in blocks per game last season,  in big part because of Kingsley who averaged 2.38 a game! The other guy is JUCO transfer Forward Alando Cook,  Jr.,  who averaged a double-double last season for Connors State with 16 points and 10.1 rebounds a game. Arkansas should be better than last season,  but so should Oklahoma State. I think this will be one of the more underrated games of the Big12SEC Challenge this season. Arkansas' weakness last season was defense,  especially against 3-point shooting. Evans and Forte should enjoy hitting shots in this one. Quote From The Enemy:He's got that sense of urgency. We've got to have him continue to play that dominant role he played last year,  now he has help. So hopefully it will allow him to do more things for our basketball team. We're going to rely on his leadership and defensive capabilities. Offensively https://www.mthoutlet.com/Siddeeq_Mcneal_Jersey-149,  I think he can be a guy we can go to. I think we can spread the floor. People aren't going to be able to just think about Moses or a guy like Dusty. We have a lot of other players we didn't have last year. We have more options out on the floor and we have more options coming off of the bench. - Head Coach Mike Anderson Recap: I like the way the non-conference wraps up for OSU. The tough road games should help prepare the Cowboys for conference play. By the end of January I expect Underwood to have this team humming. Overall,  It's a good,  not great,  non-conference schedule.


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