Oregon State Basketball: Freshman Center Jack Wilson Is Leaving The Program

On Saturday, Nick Daschel of The Oregonian confirmed that Oregon State head coach Wayne Tinkle announced that freshman center Jack Wilson was leaving the men’s basketball program. The announcement comes over a week after the seven-footer sat out of the Beavers contest against Kent State with a reported back injury.

Wilson, who join guard Jordan Campbell as the second player to leave the program since the season officially begun, was expected to be a crucial piece of Oregon State’s front-court heading into this season. However, with the emergence of fellow seven-footer Kylor Kelley as a more reliable talent, even the absence of Gligorije Rakocevic due to injury, Wilson never quite found his way to steady minutes.

A four-star center coming out of Junipero Serra High School (California), Wilson appeared in just seven games for the Beavers this season, averaging just 2.7 minutes per contest.

Wayne Tinkle commented on the situation to The Oregonian, stating that “Jack is a great kid and we wish him nothing but the best.”

Wilson’s departure comes at a pivotal moment for Oregon State, as the aforementioned Rakocevic is expected to be back in uniform for Saturday’s game against Central Connecticut State. Although, it’s unknown how much the 6’ 11” senior will be able to contribute from the get-go, especially after missing the last five games. Instead, the eldest Tinkle may have to look more towards Warren Washington on the interior, another freshman who is averaging just 1.3 points and 1.4 rebounds on the year.

As for Wilson, his next stop is currently unknown as the California native has not discussed where his potential landing spots may be.