Oklahoma State basketball: Breaking down the Cowboys' roster for the 2023-24 season
Jacob UnruhThe Oklahoman
STILLWATER — After making a run in the NIT Tournament instead of the NCAA Tournament a year ago, Oklahoma State coach Mike Boynton reshaped the roster.
And the new-look Cowboys bring high expectations into the season, which tips off at 8 p.m. Monday against Abilene Christian in Gallagher-Iba Arena.
Here is a look at the roster.
Naz Brown
6-0, 181, So., GThe walk-on point guard appeared in 10 games a year ago and played a total of 20 minutes. The former Coppell (Texas) High star could earn some minutes again.
Weston Church
6-3, 180, Sr., GA fourth-year walk-on, Church played in just seven games a year ago. His lone shot was a 3-pointer that he made at Oakland.
Eric Dailey Jr.
6-8, 230, Fr., FDailey reclassified at IMG Academy to join the 2023 class and is regarded as a versatile forward who will make a big impact. The four-star recruit has won multiple gold medals with Team USA.
Connor Dow
6-6, 200, Fr., GA sharpshooter from Broken Arrow, Dow was a first-team selection to The Oklahoman’s Super 5 team. He is expected to be a strong bench option who can add firepower to a team looking to improve its 3-point shooting.
Brandon Garrison
6-11, 245, Fr., CThe gem of OSU’s recruiting class, the former Del City star was a McDonald’s All-American and The Oklahoman’s Super 5 Player of the Year. A gifted passer and defender, Garrison is improving as an offensive force and could take over the starting spot sooner than later.
Jarius Hicklen
6-4, 180, Gr., GA graduate transfer from North Florida, Hicklen was brought in to boost the Cowboys’ 3-point shooter. He shot better than 38% overall at North Florida and was also a dynamic threat from deep when he began his career at Division II Oklahoma Baptist.
Jamyron Keller
6-3, 210, Fr., GA big point guard, Keller was a three-star recruit who was also Texas’ Class 5A player of the year as a senior. Keller will be the primary backup point guard, where he should thrive with his ability to score and create.
Brooks Manzer
6-3, 190, Jr., GA walk-on from Edmond Memorial, Manzer has battled knee injuries his entire career and will not play this season. He is the son of former OSU guard Bryndon Manzer.
Mike Marsh
6-10, 250, R-Sr., CThey call the veteran transfer from Jacksonville “Uncle Mike.” He’s at his fourth school and is coming off a season in which he averaged 10.5 points and 4.9 rebounds. He will begin the season as the starting center. But his primary role is to help young bigs like Garrison, Justin McBride and Isaiah Miranda.
Justin McBride
6-8, 230, Fr., FA four-star recruit, McBride is the second-youngest player in the Big 12. But he’s also taken huge leaps since arriving on campus, which will allow the Cowboys to use his size and athleticism to their advantage.
Isaiah Miranda
7-1, 220, R-Fr., F/CPerhaps the most intriguing player on the roster, Miranda brings a different athleticism with his frame and skill. He can shoot the 3. He can play inside, as proven by ripping the rim off the goal in a preseason workout. He transferred from NC State, a program he joined last spring semester after reclassifying.
Carson Sager
6-4, 207, Sr., GA walk-on, Sager has appeared in just 11 games the past two seasons. He is the younger brother of former Cowboy Christien Sager.
Javon Small
6-3, 195, Jr., GAn East Carolina transfer, Small is expected to take over at point guard, where he has proven to be an elite facilitator and scorer. Despite a season-ending knee injury last season, he averaged 15.8 points and 5.6 assists.
Bryce Thompson
6-6, 205, Sr., GThe former McDonald’s All-American and Tulsa Booker T. Washington star is the veteran on the team. In his third year since transferring from Kansas, Thompson enters the year having scored 11.2 points per game in two seasons. He will be leaned on heavily offensively.
Quion Williams
6-5, 220, So., GWilliams took a huge leap forward in last season’s NIT and continued that in the offseason. He averaged eight points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists in the tournament while seeing increased minutes. He is a big guard who can defend.
John-Michael Wright
6-1, 190, Gr., GA full-time starter a year ago, Wright’s role in his final season could shift. But he’s also improved as a shooter and can handle the point guard position as needed. He’s among the NCAA’s active leaders in career points (1,852) and minutes (3,982).
