OSU men’s basketball team 100% vaccinated
STILLWATER — With more than a month remaining until the season opener, every member of Oklahoma State’s men’s basketball team has received the COVID-19 vaccine, according to coach Mike Boynton.
“As far as I understand, I think we’re 100% vaccinated,” Boynton said, “which is a pretty strong indication that our guys understand the seriousness of it and have all made a choice. Our job was just to provide information, just like we do with anything else.”
The Cowboys held their first official practice of the season Tuesday afternoon, debuting new talent and returning stars.
And there was hope that the upcoming season would have less pitfalls with the pandemic.
“I commend these guys for doing the research and feeling like it’s important for them to do what they thought was best, A, for themselves,” Boynton said, “but also for our team to be able to get through another season and have a chance to play as many games as we can as we move forward and continue to deal with the virus at the same time.”
Boynton said he was one of the first members of the program to receive the vaccine.
“Happily so,” Boynton said. “I didn’t have any ill effects and I don’t think anybody else did. I think that will be something helpful for us moving forward.”
Cisse makes strong impression
Late in the practice, returning star Avery Anderson III went for a big challenge.
New big man Moussa Cisse, a former five-star recruit and transfer from Memphis, was attacking the basket when Anderson attempted to make the path more difficult.
Instead, Cisse — listed at 6-foot-10 and 225 pounds — dunked hard on Anderson, a 6-3 guard.
“I didn’t think he was looking,” Anderson said. “So, the bigs been talking like all the guards are so small. So, I’ve been trying to get the bigs anytime I can block them. He got me, though.”
Cisse simply impressed in his first official practice.
With a 7-foot-6 wingspan, the agile center was a force as a rebounder and defender. Plus, he had a few highlight dunks.
“He looks different,” Boynton said. “He makes you look different all by himself. The thing I’ve been most pleased with is he’s like a sponge. The kid just wants to be coached and challenged to be his best.”
Cisse went through the NBA Draft process and earned an invite to the G League Elite Camp after entering the transfer portal in April. But Cisse, who just turned 19, opted to transfer to OSU, primarily to continue his development.
“NBA coaches and G League coaches told me to slow down and not rush,” Cisse said. “I’m young. It was a lot of advice about my game, how to move and stuff. It was very cool.”
Ice trims up
Last season, OSU leader Isaac Likekele had a down year by his standards.
He dealt with multiple injuries. He struggled mentally, too.
But he felt like his old self Tuesday, even if he’s a bit lighter.
“I tried to slim down,” Likekele said. “Lost about a good 12-15 pounds, changed up my diet and different things like that. So, it was more of a mental aspect for me this offseason, so I could just focus and go out there and do what I do, honestly.”
Last season, Likekele averaged 9.1 points, 3.6 assists and a team-high 6.6 rebounds.
Tip-ins
❚ Third-year guard Chris Harris Jr. practiced wearing a knee brace for his surgically repaired ACL. He underwent surgery for a second time in as many seasons on the knee early last season.
❚ Second-year guard Donovan Williams was also involved in practice. He underwent season-ending knee surgery as well last season.
❚ No dates have been set, but OSU announced on its social media pages that it will conduct open practices in Oklahoma City, Tulsa and the Colvin Recreation Center on campus leading up to the season.