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OSU Basketball: Assessing the Strengths of 2018 Signee Maurice Calloo

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Mike Boynton has welcomed a bevy of big men in the 2018 recruiting class, and we’ve already evaluated the strengths of Duncan DeMuth and Yor Anei.

The next guy in line in Maurice Calloo, a 6-foot-8, 210-pound forward from Huntington Prep in West Virginia. Some notable names have come through Huntington Prep, including Andrew Wiggins in 2013. Calloo also spent time at Oak Hill Academy, which has one of the most prestigious basketball programs in the nation.

Calloo is a three-star recruit and ranks inside the top 50 at his position. He chose Oklahoma State, though he received offers from Illinois (take that, Brad Underwood), Florida, Kansas State and Mississippi State, among others.

Many teams were requesting his services because of his versatility; he’s not a traditional face-up 4.

Calloo has a good stroke from outside, and his release/form looks fluid. A lot of guys his size have major flaws in their mechanics, but young players, no matter how big they are, are now taught to shoot. He’s no exception.

Although he doesn’t have exceptional handles, he’s more comfortable dribbling than most forwards his size. He won’t bring the ball up the floor, but he’s a guy who can create a little bit before dishing to a teammate outside.

The biggest thing that stood out to me was his strength and sturdiness. Players in the Big 12 will be bigger and more physical than the guys he played against in high school, but having played at elite programs like Huntington Prep and Oak Hill Academy, his competition was better than your typical high schooler’s.

Calloo will be tough to move off of his spot, and he finishes with strength and a good bit of touch. He’s not overly crafty near the rim, but he’s strong enough to finish through contact and draw some fouls along the way.

Overall, I think we’re looking at a talented stretch four with the ability to affect the game from both inside and outside. I envision him being a key member of the Cowboys’ team down the road, and I think he could make a significant impact not long after the season begins.

 

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