Pokes Finalize 2017-18 Non-Conference Hoops Schedule

Oklahoma State has rounded out its non-conference basketball schedule for Mike Boynton’s first season at the helm, and … it’s actually pretty good! The Pokes will face some big-name teams, play a ton in GIA and get some solid tests before the Big 12 starts.

• Pepperdine (Nov. 10)
• Charlotte (Nov. 13)
• Oral Roberts (Nov. 16)
• Texas A&M, Penn State or Pitt (Nov. 20) — Brooklyn, NY
• Texas A&M, Penn State or Pitt (Nov. 21) — Brooklyn, NY
• Houston Baptist (Nov. 26)
• Austin Peay (Nov. 29)
• Mississippi Valley State (Dec. 3)
• Wichita State (Dec. 9)
• Florida State (Dec. 16) — Miami, FL
• Tulsa (Dec. 19)
• Texas-Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) (Dec. 22)
• Arkansas (Jan. 27) — Fayetteville, AR

It’s not an elite schedule, but it’s not a joke, either. OSU will be tested in Brooklyn and against Wichita State, Florida State and Arkansas. Every team except for Pepperdine and Mississippi Valley State was in the top 300 in KenPom’s rankings last year. Normally OSU grabs 4-5 completely egregious games with teams in the low 300s. Even its bad games this time around are against good teams.

“Our goal will always be to put together a non-conference schedule that prepares our team to compete in the nation’s toughest basketball conference while giving Cowboy fans an exciting slate of games they can look forward to, and I think we’ve done just that,” Boynton said in a statement.

“Our team will take the court against nationally respected squads, regional rivals, as well as a host of opponents that will help our team gel and young players adjust to the rigors of college basketball. I’m excited for the upcoming season, and to have Gallagher-Iba Arena rocking again.”

(looks around, raises hand)

Me too.