Cowboy Basketball Positional Previews: Small Forwards

In the next installment of our Cowboy basketball positional previews, we’ll take a look at the small forward position. On the official Cowboy basketball roster, there are five players listed as at least a partial small forward:

• Tavarius Shine
• Cameron McGriff
• Leyton Hammonds
• Davon Dillard
• Jeffrey Carroll

I’ve already covered Shine in the shooting guards preview, although he will likely play at the 3 spot as well. Additionally, with the tragic death of Tyrek Coger and lack of size on the roster, I expect Cam McGriff and Leyton Hammonds to play some at the four position in Brad Underwood’s spread motion offense. At the end of the day, all listed above should get minutes, but for purposes of splitting them up, we will focus on three small forwards in particular today: Leyton Hammonds, Davon Dillard, and Jeffrey Carroll.

Sr. Leyton Hammonds, 6’8, 215 lb.

Hammonds has been a bit of a mystery in his first three seasons at Oklahoma State. After showing very little his first two seasons, Hammonds broke out in 2015-2016, averaging 10.6 points per game and 5.1 rebounds a game, playing both the 3 and the 4. Hammonds’ game is probably better suited to a small forward, as he is most comfortable with the ball on the perimeter, able to face up on his defender. Leyton has the size at 6’8 to rise up and shoot over whomever is guarding him, but is most effective when he can use his size and athleticism to get to the bucket on smaller (or slower) defenders.

There is definitely room to improve his shooting (42.7% overall and just 34.2% from 3 last season), but Hammonds can be a very effective and important player for the Cowboys in 2016. The problem is this — there are just two players on the roster 6’8 or over, Hammonds and Mitch Solomon.

Offensively, Underwood’s spread offense will allow him to float to the perimeter and take his man off the dribble, his greatest strength. Defensively, He will be asked to play inside this year, more than some might like, and his rebounding ability will be necessary for the Cowboys if they expect to make a tournament run.

Regardless of how explosive and deep the guard position is this season, someone will have to step up and hit the boards if Underwood’s Cowboys want to compete for the NCAA tournament, and that person needs to be Leyton Hammonds. Whether he is playing at the 3 or the 4, Hammonds’ role will be very important for the Cowboys’ success this year. Get to know him a bit more in this video from Orange Studios.

So. Davon Dillard, 6’5, 215 lb.

Davon Dillard is probably the returning player you’ve heard the least about this season. As a freshman, Dillard only appeared in seven games. Averaging under a point and rebound a game. However, Dillard was a highly decorated high school star, ranking as a four-star recruit by ESPN, and the No. 3 ranked player out of the state of Indiana. Dillard’s impressive list of suitors included Indiana, Pittsburgh, California, Georgia Tech, Purdue, Creighton, Iowa and others, before heading south to play for the Cowboys. Dillard had originally committed to Cal, but flipped his commitment late in the process to play for Coach Ford.

Dillard’s game is unique and explosive. He is a physical specimen at 6’5 and 215, who is very quick off the dribble and aggressive taking it to the hole. He plays above the rim and might be the most electric dunker on the roster. Defensively, it remains to be seen whether he can be an asset. When he gets into the lane, watch out… he might just put you on a poster.

His freak athleticism is his greatest strength, and his ability to get into the lane will serve him very well in the offense Brad Underwood will employ in his first season. When he touches the ball, he goes into full attack mode. This season, the slate is wiped clean. A new coach, a new offense, and a new opportunity for the former star recruit to break out and give the Cowboys a real offensive weapon and jolt off the bench.

R-Jr. Jeffrey Carroll, 6’6 215 lbs.

Carroll is another player who blossomed last season, raising his points per game from 3.9 as a freshman to 8.2 last season as a sophomore. “Clip” had moments of brilliance (posted 10 points/11 boards at West Virginia, scored 17 in a half against Towson, put up 18 against Iowa State, and poured in three 3’s and 11 points against Kansas), but at times would float on offense and struggle impact the game.

Carroll’s game has been very different from Hammonds or Dillard thus far in his collegiate career. Carroll is more of a 3-point shooter than either of those two, and is capable of catching fire and putting up points in a hurry. When his 3-ball is not falling, Carroll has struggled to impact the game. This season, though, Cowboys fans may see a new player.

We need to see more of this please.

Carroll has reportedly gained 20 pounds, now up to 215 for this season. Brad Underwood told the Tulsa World he’s excited about Carroll’s prospects.

“Jeffrey’s a talented young man and it’s our job to help him realize how good he can be, not just as a basketball player but athletically. He’s bought in. He hasn’t taken one possession off of anything we’re doing. He’s maximized every opportunity in the weight room.”

Look for Carroll’s continued growth in the weight room to pay dividends for him on the court. With more muscle added to his frame, Carroll can absolutely improve on his ability to keep defenders honest and drive the lane offensively.

Defensively, he can hold his own with other small forwards in the Big 12 and will be able to contribute more on the glass. No one will be surprised to see Jeffrey Carroll break out and become a star this year in Stillwater.