The 6’10 Sophomore Drew Eubanks has a bright future for the Oregon State Beavers Men’s Basketball Team. Eubanks was the top rated recruit in the state of Oregon in 2015, according to ESPN. Drew is relatively new to the game of Basketball. Growing up in Troutdale, Oregon, Drew only played baseball, and he was a solid pitcher in High School. Drew sparked interest from pro scouts in baseball, and he helped Reynolds High School win the Mount Hood League Title. Drew didn’t play basketball until his Freshman year of High School after much convincing by his fellow classmates. He struggled at first due to his lack of coordination and undeveloped skills. However, Eubanks continued to develop his game in high school. His skills began to improve, and he also played AAU ball in the summers, to which he credits as a huge part of his development as a player. Drew improved so much in high school, ESPN rated him as a 4 star prospect. In August of 2014, Drew committed to Oregon State after offers from Washington and Washington State.
Most recruits who are and were as highly rated as Eubanks have played basketball since their early childhood, which makes it more impressive that Drew developed into a 4 star recruit in three short years. Due to his lack of experience, it was expected that Drew was going to come off the bench as a Freshmen. Senior Daniel Gomis was already penciled in as the starter at Center. However, Gomis suffered a broken hand, Eubanks moved into the starting Center role.
He would start in 30 of 32 games. Drew would end up averaging 7.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. His season high was 19 points against Loyola Marymount. In addition, he scored 17 against Washington. Drew displayed great athleticism with some impressive highlight reel dunks. His play at the post had many in Beaver Nation excited about his future.
Coach Tinkle admitted that he displayed the “tough love”approach with Drew in order to toughen him up to PAC 12. Eubanks played solidly in his first season and displayed a strong work ethic. He faced many challenges post players, including the 9th overall pick in the NBA Draft Jacob Poeltl. Additionally, Drew was in foul trouble in many games last season. In fact he fouled out of 3 of games. However, Drew gained valuable experience in his first full year as a starter for the Beavs, which will likely set him up for future success. He was able to help aid the Beavers to their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1990.
Drew will once again be a starter this season, and the Beavers expect big things from him. He added 20 pounds to his frame, which puts him at 250 lbs. The additional weight should help increase his ability to box out, which will improve his rebounding. Also, the extra mass will help him push around defenders on the block. He is in good hands under the tutelage of Wayne Tinkle and Assistant Coach Kerry Rupp. Drew has the potential to develop into one of PAC 12’s best players, similarly to the way he developed into the top rated recruit in the state of Oregon.