Pac-12 Men’s Basketball Preview: Oregon State Beavers
By Ricky Widmer
Overall, Oregon State had some success last season. The Beavers did very well during the regular season in non-conference play, but had a losing record in the Pac-12 with a 7-11 conference record. However, this changed in the Pac-12 Conference Tournament. OSU won their first two games and were one win away from playing in the conference tournament final, but lost to the Arizona Wildcats.
Even though Oregon State did not make the NCAA Tournament, they made it into the CBI Tournament. The Beavers made it to the semifinals after defeating Western Illinois and TCU, eventually losing to Pac-12 foe Washington State 72-55.
March 9, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Oregon State Beavers mascot during a stoppage in play during the semi final round of the 2012 Pac 12 Tournament in the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE
This offseason, Oregon State gave their head coach Craig Robinson a one year contract extension. This extension by athletic director Bob De Carolis takes Robinson through the 2016-17 season. Robinson has won 64 games in his four seasons with the Beavers.
According to Oregon State’s athletics website, Craig Robinson said, “I’m honored that the university made the commitment to another year for me and my family, and for my staff and for this program.”
One player that Robinson and Oregon State will have returning for his junior season at the school is Devon Collier. Last season as a sophomore, he played in all 36 games and started in 32 games. Collier averaged 13.1 points per game, 5.2 rebounds per game, 1.8 assists per game, 1.0 steals per game, and 1.3 blocks per game. He also led the Pac-12 in field goal percentage at 61.5 percent (first time this has happened since 1991-1992).
On the other hand, Oregon State will be getting some help this season from Olaf Schaftenaar. Schaftenaar joined the program this offseason after playing last season for Real Club Nautico de Tenerife in Spain. With the international team, he averaged 13.6 points in 30 games. The best part for the Beavers is that he will have four years of eligibility.
If the Beavers want to be better this year, they will need to improve in conference play. Their non-conference schedule seems a little harder this season, but OSU should be fine during that part of their schedule. However, their conference portion is a different story. With the addition of Schaftenaar, they should be able to gain a few more games in the Pac-12, but their only way of making the NCAA Tournament will be to win the conference tournament.
Will this happen? Maybe. Oregon State will most likely finish in the bottom half on the conference and their conference tournament play will determine whether or not they will be playing postseason basketball this season.
Make sure to follow me on Twitter @RickyWidmer.
Follow the Autzen Zoo on Twitter @Autzen_Zoo and like us on Facebook at Autzen_Zoo.
Check out my other writings on the Kansas Jayhawks blog, Through the Phog.