Brad Underwood On New Orleans Game: ‘I Loved Our Unselfishness’

Oklahoma State’s assist percentage (number of field goals they have assists on) is pretty poor so far this season. The Cowboys have assisted on 49 percent of made field goals so far which ranks No. 234 nationally. This is not very good. It improved on Wednesday in OSU’s 117-72 rout of New Orleans though as the Pokes assisted on 58 percent of their made field goals. This is a number head coach Brad Underwood would like to be even higher.

“Great start, I thought we were pretty dialed in at the start and I loved our unselfishness,” said Underwood. Leyton was tremendous early. He got it going and that was good to see. The 22 assists and ten turnovers, we shared the ball. We took the opportunities that we knew were there. I loved the pace and the tempo was very good. This team can get going in making shots in a hurry.”

Underwood’s teams have been known for creating turnovers and generating assists. Look at his national rank in three years with SFA. Fourth, fifth and 11th. That is insane. OSU has work to do in that area.

“They’re [OSU] solid,” said UNO coach Mark Slessinger. “They [OSU] have two very talented guards. [Phil] Forte and [Jawun] Evans did very good, and that will carry them a long way.”

I’m excited about the season. Excited about the style. Excited about the defense. Mostly excited about the stretch next week in Maui when Oklahoma State gets to test itself against some of the best programs in the country. UConn on Monday and North Carolina on Tuesday if you win. Massive.

“I mean that’s what you want,” said Phil Forte on Wednesday. “Growing up as a kid and as a basketball fan, you’re always watching the Maui Invitational. Always around Thanksgiving, it’s a tournament I’ve always watched growing up. So to be able to play in that is a huge honor.

“I’m looking forward to it. Our team hasn’t really been tested against some NCAA tournament teams yet, so that’ll be a challenge that we’re looking forward to. Just take it one game at a time. Go out there and try to get better still. Nothing changes. We have to do what we do and then take it one game at a time and go from there.”

His head coach is more fired up than any of us!

“We’ll see a different style and a different team in UConn on Monday that has a big shot blocker,” said Underwood. “Every night is something new but we are grasping it. We are going to go fight for three straight nights, no matter who is on the other bench. See you in Maui.”

"We play big boys in this league, and I'm going to schedule big boys." – Brad Underwood, on #OKState non-conference games. Yussssssssss.

— Mike Harris (@TheMikeHarris) November 17, 2016