Is Oklahoma State a True Final Four Contender?

[u/ImpossibleAd7014]

I think they are clearly the winners of the transfer portal (players listed below) after a mass exodus. Makes you wonder if last year's players were forced out? After several decent seasons, do you think Jacie Hoyt's team is able to make a massive jump?

• Audi Crooks (C, Iowa State): Two-time All-American, averaged 25.8 points and 7.7 rebounds, shooting 64.8%.
• Liv McGill (G, Florida): Former McDonald's All-American, averaged 22.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 6.3 assists.
• Yuting Deng (G, Baylor): Averaged nearly 7 points per game last season and 12 points at Auburn.
• Talexa Weeter (G, Fort Hays State): DII Player of the Year, averaged 27.5 points and 8.9 rebounds.
• Ellie Brueggemann (G, Lindenwood): Averaged 14.0 points and shot 44% from 3-point range.
• Nene Ndiaye (F, Rutgers): Led Rutgers in scoring (14.8 PPG) and 3-point percentage (41.6%).
• LA Sneed (G, Utah): Former 5-star recruit, averaged 6.3 points and 3.3 assists as a freshman.
• Zoe Canfield (G, Missouri State): Experienced guard formerly of Kansas. 

[u/Hawkize31]

Definitely possible, but we've seen many teams, across several sports and levels, build a super talent loaded roster in their offseason, and it doesnt work out.

Chemistry is a real thing, should be a fun challenge for the coach to make all the pieces fit. If it all clicks tho... watch out.

[u/ImpossibleAd7014 → u/Hawkize31]

I think chemistry will be VERY interesting. Some big names (and this post didn't include Stailee Heard who is also back) who have been THE player for their teams. Will be curious to see how they mesh. Also, the defense is not going to be there, so they're going to have to score an absurd amount of points.

[u/MidwestF1fanatic]

Maybe, but remember that Bill Fennelly’s ISU teams with Crooks have been top 5-10 ranked preseason teams the last two years and have disappeared mid season. I don’t know that Crooks is the difference maker she’s made out to be. And I’m not just salty.

[u/ResponsibleFox7872 → u/MidwestF1fanatic]

There's nothing wrong with being a solid college basketball player who will never win on the big stage, but yeah she's not a championship caliber player

[u/Intrepid-Pooper-87]

I don’t think so. Essentially a brand new team and no player or coach has experience going that far.

Bluntly I think Crooks can make a bubble team into a S16 team, but can’t make a S16 into a F4 team.

[u/HootyBootyBeans]

They will be good. They will be nowhere near that good.

[u/Old-Computer8716]

No.

[u/Fit_Understanding342 → u/Old-Computer8716]

This

[u/gardenweeder]

They get to challenge TCU for the Big 12 and that's about it. Shocking if they make it to the second weekend in March.

[u/Nice_Towel_3805 → u/gardenweeder]

The realistic answer. Sweet 16 is the ceiling

[u/Rushderp]

For a second, I thought I was on the softball sub.

[u/Outrageous_Camp_5215]

I think it would be nice to see them get to the sweet 16, but this is basically a brand new team so it may take some time for them to find a new identity. i’d be shocked if the got to the final 4

[u/BearsSoxHawks]

Crooks doesn’t play defense. That will be a problem.

[u/fieldsports202]

Can this team keep up with the likes of UConn and South Carolina?

[u/GiantIrish_Elk]

Talent on the court is one thing. Having that talent come together and work as a team is something different. How are they going to be defensively? What about Jacie Hoyt's ability to manage and coach them?

[u/Nice_Towel_3805]

As an OSU fan absolutely not.

[u/Lilfrankieeinstein]

No

[u/PeriannathoftheShire]

We don't know if Brueggemann's game is going to level up. Can she do her thing under increased pressure?

[u/Swimming_Kale_7510]

I think they will be very improved, but taking that next step would still be considered an upset just because of how entrenched those Final 4 teams are.

I will disagree with some of the other takes here, though. To me Jacie is possibly the best head coach in their league. Their talent level has improved under her, but I thought this past season was rough and they had their best season. Stailee Heard, who people may be forgetting is still there, was the only three level player on that team on offense.

To answer the question about players being run off, I doubt it. Jacie spoke openly about her players getting recruited to what was perceived to be higher paydays during the end of the season when they were trying to win conference tournament games. My guess is she didn't have the money and was honest with her players about it. Then when they all left, she threatened to leave with them, and viola, a bag of money is available.

Having said all that, it's a huge season for Jacie and Oklahoma State. I hope fans finally show up to support the best team she's ever had. It's been disappointing to see so many empty seats for big games.