Three Players That Need to Make Leaps in 2018 for OSU to be Successful

Oklahoma State isn’t a projected tournament team. In fact, the only projection of note is that it was picked in the preseason — for a second consecutive year — to finish last in the Big 12.

Last season Mike Boynton and Co. outperformed that projection by finishing 8-10 in league play, which tied with Baylor, Texas, and OU for the penultimate spot in the final standings. This year may be different, however. With Jeffrey Carroll, Kendall Smith and Tavarius Shine — the team’s top three scorers from last season — all moving on to professional endeavors, OSU has work to do to avoid its forecasted fate.

Every player on the team will need to find success in their own way for OSU to find success, but these three specifically I’ve identified will need to make the biggest strides.

1. Cameron McGriff

A jump is coming. In fact, it may already be here. After averaging a respectable, yet modest, 8.4 points and 5.4 rebounds per game line a season ago in 24.1 minutes of game action, McGriff has doubled his offensive production: he’s averaging 17.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and playing 36 minutes per contest. (Note: This is a massive one game sample size!)

Keeping that production against the West Virginias and TCUs will be more difficult to sustain than against Charlotte or UTSA or Charleston, but it’s imperative he continue down this production path. OSU needs him to put up numbers in an efficient manner; he and Michael Weathers are the Cowboys’ most important players. (Also, a selfish request: More of these please. ?)

HOLY PUTBACK! @OSUMBB'S Cam McGriff is insanely athletic. pic.twitter.com/2gqN9Ea3VY

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) February 3, 2018

2. Lindy Waters III

Lindy Waters isn’t going to be a feature guy for OSU, but his combination of effort, energy and reliable shooting could make him a starter for more than a dozen Big 12 programs. He’s fantastic for what he is: A sparkplug shooter who can knock down open jumpers and create his own shot in a pinch. Critical this season will be how he makes plays for himself and others from the wing spot.

Problem with him, though, is that I’m not sure he knows he’s as good as he is. He needs to be more selfish. He shot 37.3 percent from the 3-point line last season, second most among OSU players who played more than 5 games behind only Kendall Smith. ??Shoot da rocccckkkk! ??

3. Isaac Likelele

Hard to make a leap when you’ve only played one collegiate game, no? Tough cookies! Isaac Likelele makes the list here because his importance to this team can’t be overstated. OSU will bust its butt all fall and winter to try and get him up to speed, because he’s a No. 1 man-in-waiting. He does a lot of things really well — like locking up players on the perimeter with his long reach and outstanding agility, slashing to the rim to open up lanes on offense, and driving to the hole and finishing around the basket. He’s an X-factor for OSU who could score 12+ per game if he seizes the opportunity.

Oklahoma State freshman Isaac Likelele with 18 points on 10 shots in today's exhibition to go with 13 deflections. Impact Big 12 newcomer.

— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) November 5, 2018

The imminent return of Michael Weathers and second semester eligibility renewal of Curtis Jones may eat into that overall, but his talent will be difficult to keep off the floor.