There's No Reason to Panic About Cowboy Basketball Yet

STILLWATER – There’s no question that having five players enter the portal over the past few months is a bit alarming. Other than having to kick players off the team a few seasons back and a handful of players transferring out over the years, Oklahoma State has yet to deal with a mass exodus into the transfer portal like what’s going on right now.

Guard Donovan Williams entered the portal shortly after the end of the 2021-22 season, followed by wing Keylan Boone, both of which have committed to play at Pacific.

They were joined in the portal by Matthew-Alexander Moncrieffe, who committed to play for Georgia, where former OSU assistant coach Erik Pastrana is now on staff.

Isaac Likekele announced this past week he’s entered his name into the portal as a grad transfer.

All of those players were expected to move on from the program following the season.

Rondel Walker is the latest player to enter his name into the portal and while the timing of it is a bit of surprise, there were rumors towards the end of the season he might enter attempt a transfer.

While he’s not in the portal, point guard Avery Anderson III entered his name into the NBA Draft process, which allows him to talk to scouts and coaches to find out if he’s pro ready yet.

Even with all these players in the portal or draft process, there’s no reason to panic yet.

If you remember back to last season, Mike Boynton and Co. didn’t sign any of the three transfers until after the start of May 2021.

Tyreek Smith signed with the Pokes on May 4, Bryce Thompson committed on May 13 and Moussa Cisse, the Big 12 Co-Defensive Player of the Year didn’t commit to the Pokes until July 15.

If that wasn’t enough to help soothe your worries, here’s a few other tidbits that might help. The majority of the Big 12 is dealing with transfer issues.

As of April 29, the day the news about Walker entering the portal was announced, here’s how the Big 12 looks in terms of transfers.

• Kansas State 9
• Iowa State 7
• Oklahoma 5
• Oklahoma State 5
• West Virginia 5
• Texas 4
• Texas Tech 4
• Baylor 1
• TCU 1
• Kansas 0

Also, as of April 22, there are more than 1,400 players in the transfer portal. More than most people are comfortable with, but plenty of options to choose from.

Worrisome? A bit. Time to panic? Not yet.