2009-10 Oregon State NCAA Basketball Predictions

Written by Rock Henderson

A 18-18 season for the usual cellar dweller Oregon State Beavers under first year head coach Craig Robinson left Beaver fans wanting more buckets in Corvallis. OSU really benefited from the addition of the CBI postseason tournament and were even able to win a game in the tourney which could pay dividends for the 2009-2010 season. Robinson hopes to build a program that is competitive year in and year out with the addition of five new players. If all goes according to plan, coach Robinson will no longer be known as President Obama’s brother in law and instead will be recognized for the way he turned the Oregon State Beavers around. In terms of the national scene, the Beavers aren’t expected to have much of an impact as the latest NCAA basketball lines list them at +20000 to win the tournament this season.

The Beavers only lost one player from last year’s team. G Ricky Claitt saw significant action and dished out 2.5 apg, but contributed much more than just statistics. Freshman G Jared Cunningham will compete for a starting spot immediately with the opening. He has great size for a point, but if Robinson decides to go with experience over potential then Cunningham will be a key player coming off the bench. G Roberto Nelson was highly coveted coming out of high school because of his shooting ability and will provide OSU with another threat from beyond the arc. The Beavers will bring in a couple players from the Land Down Under as forwards Rhys Murphy and Anqus Brandt have a lot of upside. F Joe Burton completes the class that is Robinson’s first in many to come.

This Oregon State team will be built around talented center Roeland Schaftenaar. His 6-11 frame is one of the biggest in the Pac-10 and he utilized it to score 10.5 ppg a season ago. A major strength of this big man is his passing skills from the post as he actually led the Beavs in assists last year. Junior G Calvin Hayes led the team in scoring at 13 ppg and did all of this as the first man off the bench for the most part. He should earn a starting spot this year, but Robinson might opt to bring his scoring off the bench again as he relished in that role. The Tarver brothers Josh and Seth combined for almost 12 ppg last season and while not the most gifted players on offense, they can get to the rim and finish. The battle for the other F spot will come down to Omari Johnson and Daniel Deane. Johnson is more offensive minded while Deane will bring toughness and a heavy dose of rebounding to the table. OSU does not have a bona-fide star on this team and will need each player to fill its role effectively and efficiently.

Many critics might believe that last year was a fluke for the Beavs and they will now return to the bottom of the Pac-10. I say not so fast my friend. They are well coached and can score in a variety of ways. Robinson is finally bringing in his own players which should only benefit him as a coach. Don’t sleep on this team yet again. I wouldn’t be surprised if they reach the 18 win mark once again.

Comments

Got something to say?