John-Michael Wright Is Settling Into His New Role With OSU

STILLWATER – Other than a phone call here and there, the media got to talk with one of Oklahoma State’s newest players the other day, John-Michael Wright.

Wright transferred in from High Point University, a place where he had a lot of success as a point guard in his three years there.

Just this past season as a junior, Wright played and started in 32 games for the Panthers and averaged an impressive 18.4 points per game on 41% shooting from the floor. He was solid from three-point range as well as he shot 36% from beyond the arc on 65-of-179 attempts. In terms of “point guard stats,” Wright recorded 108 assists on the year, 3.4 a game, while recording 32 steals and bringing down 4.4 rebounds per game.

He does, however, know there’s going to be a big-time jump up in competition and intensity, something he’s already experienced in his short time in Stillwater.

“I knew I was coming into an environment that was different from my previous school, lot better players, more competition,” said John-Michael Wright. “So, I knew what I was getting into. I’ve enjoyed it so far, just being pushed every day in practice. There’s a guy in front of you that’s just constantly competing, and I feel like that makes the whole team better. I feel like that’s definitely made me better since I’ve been here.”

Just looking at his stats and the returning players from last year’s roster, it’s easy to see, at least on paper, John-Michael is going to have to play a considerable role this season.

Robert Allen asked him what he thought of any of the expectations that were either written about or placed upon him prior to the start of the season, even going back to before he showed up on campus.

“The basketball is still the same; I think me being in college three years prior to this has prepared me for how the college game is played,” said Wright. “So, as far as expectations, I just try not to think about them. I just take it a step at a time. If I just really lock in and get acquainted with the system, I feel like my game will just do the talking and everything will be smooth. Expectations for myself, I just want to come in here and be the best I can and add to the Cowboys franchise.”

We’re now roughly three weeks since the official start of the 2022-23 season for the Cowboys and less than a month from the Pokes’ first game on Nov. 7 against UT Arlington.