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Tres Tinkle - Returns as the team’s overall leader, as well as arguably the best player in the conference. Several media outlets have voted him as the favorite for the Pac-12 Player of the Year as he looks to become Oregon State’s all time leading scorer...as well as lead Oregon State into the NCAA tournament. The swingman from Montana tested NBA draft waters and received positive reinforcement, however, it was noted that his three-point shooting, strength, and ball handling skills could use a tune up. Tinkle noted these hints and came back to Corvallis with a new mission statement and is motivated more than ever to make an impact on the program and the league. If the Beavers are to make the big dance, it begins and ends with the efforts of Tres Tinkle.
Ethan Thompson - Ethan returns for his junior season after exploring NBA draft waters and looks to run the show alongside Tres. Ethan displayed an excellent overall game last season, averaging about 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists for the Beavs. This season, he will be looked upon as a strong second option to Tres, as his impressive scoring skills will be heavily relied on. Thompson is a sneaky athlete that is crafty in the paint, can finish at the rim, and is an overall fundamentally sound basketball player. After numerous pro workouts alongside older brother Stevie, Ethan starred in the one and only Drew League this summer, playing amongst pros. Thompson now is the only Thompson on the team and as a result he will be looked upon to take point guard and scoring duties. Look for Ethan to be amongst the team’s most improved and most pivotal players this season.
Kylor Kelley - Kylor suprised the entire college basketball season when he lead the country in blocks per game for a portion of the season, becoming a dominant defensive force. Along with his superb finishing skills, Kelley was an immeasurable value to last year’s team. Against Pepperdine, Kelley set an Oregon State single game record, blocking an astonishing ten blocks. Kelley also set the total season record for blocked shots and looks to be the ambassador in the paint for the Beavs. Kylor also has a nice touch for a 7 footer, as he can shoot the eighteen foot jump shot with consistency and his name will be called upon occasionally in the post to get a bucket when the Beavs need it.
Alfred Hollins - Hollins had a somewhat disappointing season, averaging only 4.8 points last year as he averaged a dismal 23 percent from three point range, which is especially alarming at the thought that he chucked 1.7 three’s per game. Where Alfred shines is when he penetrates the defense and forces his way to a easy bucket or when he gets an offensive rebound for easy points. Obviously, Hollins is ultra talented, however, he needs to accept his role as the third option to Tinkle and Thompson and not hoist up every three pointer than he can. If he can build his confidence early in the season and show opponents that he is a force inside, then he can establish his three-point shooting capabilities. Look for him to be the x-factor in key games down the stretch for the Beavers.
Zach Reichle - The sharpshooter from Wilsonville showed Beaver Nation that he can be a defensive pest and can make some sharp passes in traffic throughout the season. However, Reichle fell into a shooting slump he seemed incapable of getting out of last season. He shot 32 percent from three-point land, which isn’t terrible, however, his 30 percent from the field was a cause of concern. Like Alfred, Reichle is best when he plays within his role, but once he tries to get outside of his specialties, the team suffers. If he can continue to play tough defense and pester defenders, while being a play maker and continue to become confident with his shot, watch for Reichle to make big strides this season.
Antoine Vernon - The point guard from Canada was the glue man for the Beavers, subbing in whenever a deft ball handler was needed. Vernon is perhaps best known for his heroics against the Ducks at Matthew Knight Arena last season when he knocked down two free throws effortlessly to seal the victory. Vernon is an incredible ball handler and shot 40 percent from three-point land, however, his fear of making mistakes at times outweighs his playmaking abilities. Vernon needs to dribble penetrate more often in order to look for his own as well as open up the floor for his teammates. He also needs to take advantage of his three point shooting capabilities, as he can clearly shoot the basketball. Look for Vernon to step up at the point guard stop with the departure of Stevie, as minutes will be available for those willing to step up to the occasion.
Sean Miller-Moore - The bouncy guard from Toronto looks to make an immediate impact for the Beavers next season. Miller-Moore is a junior college transfer that averaged 18.5 points and 7.8 rebounds for Mobley Area CC last season. Sean utilizes his speed and ball handling skills to blow past his defenders and accelerate to the rim and has a lot of spring in his legs. Miller-Moore looks to be a threat in transition offense, as he will be a great weapon running down the court for easy baskets. Miller-Moore has shown that he can finish with acrobatic fashion and has the strength to complete plays despite physical defense. He looks to be the perfect piece of the puzzle with Stevie Thompson’s graduation as he can slip into the starting line-up to provide veteran experience as well as superior skills.
Payton Dastrup - The big man transfer from BYU is finally eligible and looks to make a wave for Beaver Nation this season. Although he wasn’t eligible to play last season, Dastrup was the first off the bench in celebrating for a big three pointer or a thundering dunk, as he was a positive force for his teammates all season long. Dastrup is a sharpshooter that will be looked upon to help space the floor for Oregon State and he can also finish with authority. It should also be noted that Dastrup is the oldest amongst the group at 24, since upon his arrival at BYU he served two years on his missionary trip. As a result, he is the most mature and brings a lot of experiences outside of basketball to the team. Dastrup will be a big piece to the team and interestingly enough, his biggest impact may be that of a leader and mentor to his fellow teammates.
Gianni Hunt - Bishop Montgomery’s slasher and freaky athletic point guard is reunited with former running mate Ethan Thompson at Oregon State. Gianni won a CIF Open Division State Championship in 2017, defeating Chino Hills (whom had Lamelo Ball at the time) and Mater Dei (whom had Bol Bol) in the process. Hunt starred with the Oakland Soldiers in the Nike EYBL, where they make an appearance at Peach Jam Nationals. Hunt’s resume can be seen on YouTube, where he is showing off his slick handles as well as putting defenders on posters. Gianni is the perfect point guard to come off the bench and provide instant energy and impact. Hunt can score at all three levels and may be a microwave hot player to instantly score when his name is called into the game.
Jarod Lucas - The scoring machine from Hacienda Heights made national headlines as he averaged 39.6 points, becoming the all-time leading scorer in Southern California High School Basketball history. Lucas did this by his clever ball handling skills and his ability to go to the basketball at will and make the play through contact. Jarod can score the basketball from literally anywhere on the floor as his mid-range and three-point game are both capable. He starred on the Compton Magic for the Adidas Gauntlet, whom were the best AAU team in the nation during that season. Lucas can certainly score, but speaks high volumes as wanting to be a complete team player, which Oregon State certainly needs. Look for Jarod all season long to carve an immediate role as a fully capable scorer and vocal leader.
Julien Franklin - Julien is the physically most imposing of the three freshman from Southern California, as the 6’6” guard simply passes the eye test with his lanky frame and broad shoulders. Franklin certainly has the overall basketball skills to compete immediately, however, his biggest impact may come in years later. Franklin makes his money on his mid-range pull up game and his three-point shooting is mature as well. He is big enough to finish in the lane and is crafty enough. He can also post-up smaller guards if need be, understanding how to be physical in the paint. If Julien can continue to mature as a basketball player, build some more strength to his core, and work on his athletic abilities, Beaver Nation will have a truly scary player in a year or two.
Roman Silva - As a freshman at San Bernadino Valley CC, Silva averaged 16.1 points and 7.8 rebounds as he was a defensive and offensive force all season. Similar to Kylor in the sense that he absolutely patrols and protects the paint as it is a difficult task to score on that 7-1 height. However, Silva seems to be a little more offensively polished, as his back to the basket skills were shown on display last season. He shot 69 percent from the field last season with an array of hook shots, back downs, and dunks. He also showed his work ethic last year when he dropped from 300 to 265 pounds. Look for Silva to come in to relieve Kylor Kelley throughout the season.
Dearon Tucker - The 6’10” freshman from Texas is an absolutely ball hawk as he is simply an imposing threat in the paint, grabbing rebounds with authority, intimidating defenders, and playing defense every single possession. Tucker seems to end up with the ball on most defensive possessions, whether it is from a rebound or a block. Tucker also shows the ability to go outside of the paint and defend on the wing and shows lateral quickness that is impressive for someone his size. Although he is a little raw on the offensive end, he is shown to be able to stuff the ball with authority and the ability to make an open jumper as well as three pointer. Tucker is a player fans should be excited about, as his energy and excitement will be shown the second he hits the court.
Issac Barnes - The redshirt sophomore missed last season with a hip injury but looks to contribute to the Beavers in practice as a leader. The 6’8” forward from Pittsburgh is the son of Athletic Director Scott Barnes and continues the theme of family that is imbedded in the Oregon State basketball program. The walk-on looks to provide team effort and hustle on his part to help the Beavers into the NCAA tournament.
Joey Potts - The 6’10” big man from NorCal played at College of Marin CC his first two seasons, starting in all 50 games. He averaged 12 points and 7 rebounds his sophomore season, shooting for 60 percent from the field. Potts adds to the physical, tall defenders of the roster, but his intrigue lies within his offensive capabilities. As a player than cites Giannis as his favorite player, Potts also has picked up a thing or two from the Greak Freak. Potts can dribble well for his size and can take it to the cup from the perimeter as well as face up and has good foot work for his size. Potts adds to the Beaver’s need for depth in the post as well as additional inside scoring options.