:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63286348/usa_today_12345108.0.jpg)
With a somewhat disappointing end to the 2018-2019 season, without a NCAA tournament and NIT bid, Oregon State is in for a long off-season.
Despite finishing top four in the conference during the regular season, the Beavers could not take advantage of the first round bye in the conference tournament and ended their season at the hands of Colorado. In what was a wide open Pac-12 season, Oregon State ended up a respectable 18-13 overall and 10-8 in conference playing, taking down the eventual conference tournament champions, Oregon, twice.
The off-season will be an intriguing one for the Beavers, with the departure of two players in greatest recruiting class during the Tinkle-era in Stevie Thompson Jr. and Big G. However, the 2019 class displays the talent of three bright Southern California talents of Jarod Lucas, Gianni Hunt, and Julien Franklin.
The biggest question mark is whether Tres Tinkle comes back, after a monster season of averages of 20.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/15980855/usa_today_12280039.jpg)
Tres Tinkle - if he decides to return to Corvallis for his senior campaign, he’ll return as the conference’s best player and of one nation’s best players, period. His shooting prowess and knack to get to the basket in uncanny ways, along with stationary moves puts him atop the college basketball’s elite. However, the NBA is certainly in Tres’ mind after showing him and others than he can not only hang, but is within the nation’s top tier of players. If he decides to come back, he could show scouts and the world that he can lead a team on his back and bring them to a national stage, a feat that some one-and-done’s have never achieved.
Ethan Thompson - ET showed this season he is capable of being the second option, having huge games where he looked absolutely unstoppable. He displayed a high basketball intelligence the entire year, with flashes of athletic ability as he hammered home some serious dunks on various defenders. The question is whether he can handle the ball more, with older brother Stevie leaving, as the point guard spot opens up all together. If he could work on his mid-range game a bit more, he would be lethal and it would open up his play-making guard capabilities.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/15954351/usa_today_12299362.jpg)
Kylor Kelley - KK showed the nation that he is a defense machine, ending the season atop the blocks per game leaders, finishing at 3.4 per game. That was more any other Pac-12 conference team. Also, Kelley showed his athletic prowess as he was nimble around the rim, catching alley-oops and finishing with ease. He also occasionally displayed the ability to make the mid-range jumper. For his senior campaign, he could use to add some muscle to his frame and some consistent post moves, as well. With some work on his offensive game, KK could become one of the team’s better post options.
Alfred Hollins - In a somewhat up and down season, Al was the first to come off the bench alongside wing Zach Reichle. His best contributions to the team were when he was weaving to the basket for an easy bucket and rebounding in traffic. Where he struggled this season was in his shooting overall, as he shot less than thirty percent from downtown, but did not hesitate to let it go. If he could be more patient and make better decisions, it would fare better for Al and company, as his name will be called often and early as he would most likely fill out the start five, with Stevie’s departure.
Zach Reichle - ZR was the first name called off the bench for the Beavs, as he provided a defensive spark and had a knack for finding the open man, as well as contributing his shooting abilities. However, as the season got deeper, he struggled with his shot a bit, but continued to stay in the game with his gritty defensive game. If he could add to his offensive arsenal as well as continue to tune his confidence, he would crack the starting line up next year for Coach Tinkle.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13322365/usa_today_10436727.jpg)
Payton Dastrup - The BYU transfer finally gets to suit up, as the entire season he was the Beavs number one fan, with his sideline shenanigans and energy fueling Oregon State the entire season. PD brings leadership capabilities to the group, as he’s one of the oldest in the locker room, is a very vocal guy and is an agile, big man with soft touch and passing capibilities. Dastrup will likely be a key asset for Wayne next season.
Warren Washington - The big man from San Diego played some big minutes in key stretches, including the game versus USC where he helped check Bennie Boatwright in a win. However, in many stretches, Washington was the bane of many Beavers’ fans existences who wanted him to simply take a bigger leap. In moments, Washington plays with some tough ferocity and shows a willingness to play defense and scrap for boards, but he must put it all together. The sky is the ceiling for young big man, if he continues to add to his offensive game.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/15980849/usa_today_12027429.jpg)
Antoine Vernon - The Canada native showed a calm demeanor at all times, coming in and handling the ball in tough scenarios and showing the ability to orchestrate the offense. Beaver Nation will never forget his efforts when the Beavs defeated the Ducks at Matthew Knight Arena, as Vernon was fouled and calmly sunk two free throws to seal the game. Vernon is selfless, sometimes thinking about his teammates a bit too much, as he forgets to look for his own shots. AV has also shown the ability to sink the deep-ball and when he does, it brings his confidence and game to another level.
Issac Barnes - The forward from Pittsburgh did not suit up for the Beavs this season, opting to red-shirt. Not a lot is known regarding Issac, but fans should be excited to see what he can bring to the table next season if he’s called upon.
Kye Blaser - The Newport High School product was given a mid-season gift as he was awarded a full scholarship after the departure of Jordan Campbell. Blaser entered the game a few times this season and with another year under his belt, fans should be excited for his advancements as a player.
Eli Glenzel - A 6’8” big man from South Eugene lived the ultimate dream when he was called up to the men’s basketball team after Jack Wilson decided to leave the program. Glenzel was an integral piece of the women’s scout team and his efforts paid off when Tinkle made the executive decision to use his long frame. Glenzel even got a taste of conference play when he entered the Ducks game at Gill, even snagging a rebound. Fans should be excited for Glenzel, as he still has two seasons left to contribute to the program.
Incoming Freshman
Jarod Lucas - JL became a national sensation this past season for Los Altos High School, averaging nearly 40 points per game and ending up as the CIF-Southern Section’s all time leader. He surpassed the likes of Tracy Murray (UCLA), Demar Derozen (USC), and Taylor King (Duke, Villanova) along his journey into California High School basketball history. He has a nose to get to the bucket and finishes strong, along with silky smooth handles, and an excellent stroke. Lucas has the ability to make an instant impact next season off the bench, and can score in a hurry.
Gianni Hunt - GH is Ethan Thompson’s former high school running mate and a member of the history 2017 Bishop Montgomery team that defeated Chino Hills, Mater Dei, and Sierra Canyon to the CIF Open Division State Title. Gianni is a tough nosed point guard that can get to the basket at will and punch it on defenders. He is a true epitome of a leader and has the ability to compete for the starting point guard role immediately, with Stevie Thompson Jr.’s departure. Gianni starred for the Oakland Soldiers Nike EYBL team, alongside Scotty Pippen Jr. (Vanderbilt) and Boogie Ellis (Duke) and helped them immensely to their Peach Jam run, in which they advanced to the semi-final before being defeated by Team Why Not< Russell Westbrook’s team.
Julien Franklin - The 6’5” guard from Villa Park displayed why he was on the Beaver’s radar early, as he committed as a junior. During his senior season, he led his team to a playoff run, ultimately losing to the Mayfair Monsoons and ESPN 60 Joshua Christopher, one of the nation’s top juniors. Franklin boats a lanky frame and broad shoulders that helped him to hold his own all-season long against some top-level competition. If he can continue to develop his game, he will be a force to be reckoned with.