Notes on Mike Boynton’s Post-Bedlam Press Conference

I thought Mike Boynton’s post-Bedlam presser on Saturday would be tremendous, and I was not disappointed. If you want to get fired up about the future of Oklahoma State hoops you should watch the entire thing. I pointed out a few highlights below.

• Opened by asking if OSU was ever going to not give up a career high to somebody. All the LOLs.

• OU takes on Lon Kruger’s personality: “They don’t flinch.”

• OSU continues to show what it’s about and “who they are as people.” They’re fighting to help people understand “we have a pretty good basketball team.” Can compete with anyone in the country and hasn’t set a ceiling for his players.

• Kendall Smith is the “epitome of what our team is.” Kids don’t quit, give up or feel sorry for themselves. He said there are probably people telling Kendall that Boynton shouldn’t have benched him, but he doesn’t buy into it. He went to Boynton’s office and asked for help instead. Pretty self-aware moment from both Boynton to voice that and Smith to ask for help in getting better.

• Boynton said Solomon’s steal of Young is “not surprising at all.” Called him the most valuable person in the locker room. “He’s about what I’m about.” Solomon gives Boynton a chance to show recruits what the program is about.

• Slapped the floor “because I was into the game. I want my guys to know I’m with them.”

• When they went to OT it was the first time he looked around and took it all in and thought “this is pretty cool.” Said twelve months ago, not even three people in the room knew who he was.

• Addressed the crowd after the game because he wants them to know that this is their program. Mentioned bankers, post office workers and farmers. Target markets!

• Heard about the plane crash because he was a college player at the time.

• “This community and university has embraced those families.” Visited with the families before the game. “I want them to know that the losses they experienced aren’t in vain. That we carry those people with us forever.”

• “It’s hard to say you’re going to take 48 from a guy.” Said Young worked really hard to get that 48, though. Mentioned that Brady Manek is going to be a really good Big 12 player for a long time.

• “Trae Young is the best college basketball player since Steph Curry. I don’t think it’s close. Because of the way he makes other people better. He’s elevated that team to being a national championship contender.” Said Shine wanted to guard him.

• Tried to attack the rim but didn’t get to the FT line as much as he would have liked. Took good 3-pointers.

• “It’s the best college basketball that you’ll see anywhere. I think there are 10 NCAA Tournament teams in our league.” Said any team in the league can get into the Tournament and win a game.

• Tries to prepare guys for task at hand. Can’t focus on all the close games. “We haven’t figured out this road thing yet.” Have to go prove they’re capable of winning on the road.

• “Winning is really hard. I want my guys to enjoy it as much as possible.”

• The chances of Young not getting the ball at the end of the game: “Pretty slim.” Wanted to make him work as hard as he can because he was definitely going to shoot it.

• Have to make shots to get teams out of zone defense.