Bryant Reeves Pays Tribute to Eddie Sutton in Oklahoma HOF Speech

On Tuesday night, former Oklahoma State star Bryant “Big Country” Reeves was inducted into the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame. The Cowboy legend had many things to say — from his time in Vancouver to travels as a professional — but he first paid tribute to his former coach Eddie Sutton in a touching opening statement.

“I was fortunate enough in my opinion to play for one of the greatest college coaches ever to coach the game. And he kind of helped me get from Class B school to major Big 8 basketball at that time. He had the confidence in me to get there at that time, all I had to do was work.

“If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be standing here. I thank Coach Sutton — I know he’s not able to be here — but he’s a big reason I am here.”

In his opening statement, You can hear in Bryant Reeves' voice, the depth of gratitude & respect he has for Eddie Sutton. #okstate pic.twitter.com/K64Tu3ktsh

— Carson Cunningham (@KOCOCarson) August 15, 2017

Under Sutton, Reeves lead the Big 8 conference in field goal percentage in his final three seasons at OSU, and pioneered a postseason run in 1995 that culminated with a Final Four appearance.