Monday, March 1, 2021
Power in our movement The 51st Miss Black OSU pageant showcased the power in culture
Alicia Young Contestant Becka Cammon in the Evening Wear Showcase during the Miss Black OSU pageant on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at the Student Union Theater.
The event kicked off with the Black national anthem to which everyone stood, and was followed by a group dance by the three contestants. Maddison Farris As the contestants An evening full of left the stage after their talent, poise and culture, dance, an appearance the 51st Miss Black was made by the winner OSU scholarship pagof Mr. and Miss Black eant brought families OSU 2020. Mr. and and friends together to Miss Hispanic Latin X support the three conalso made guest appeartestants. ances and shared upKassidy Powell, a dates on their platforms civil engineering maand reigns. jor and 2020 Afro-Am The history of Homecoming Princess, the Miss Black OSU co-hosted the evening pageant is deep and with Rashad Black who powerful. Jovette Dew, is majoring in interDirector of Institutional national business and Diversity and member was crowned Mr. Black of the Office of Mul2020. ticultural Affairs and “Tonight will be Diversity Academic an evening to remember Support, Made mention as the contestants com- to the trailblazer, Nancy pete for the title of Miss Randolph Davis, whose Black Oklahoma State statue resides in front University. Throughout of the Human Sciences the night you will enbuilding on OSU’s camjoy pieces highlighting pus. black history and culture.” Powell said. See Power on pg. 2
‘It’s Bedlam in here’ Cade Cunningham’s career-high 40 points elevates Cowboys to upset victory
Dean Ruhl The origins of the phrase “Bedlam” when used to describe this rivalry is unclear. The Oklahoma State website said that it was first used by a newspaper reporter in 1917, emerging from a wrestling duel and said “it’s bedlam in there!” The Oklahoman’s John Rohde contradicts that, saying it wasn’t published until 1943. Regardless of the origin, the chaos that is attributed to the word often lives up to historic rivalry. Today was no different. OSU defeated the No. 7 Oklahoma Sooners 94-90 in overtime at Lloyd Noble Center in Norman among a crowd of 2,929. Cade Cunningham led the way for the Cowboys, scoring a career-high 40 points Saturday afternoon and grabbing 11 rebounds. “I still went into the game with the same intensity,” Cunningham said. “Play to win. My team trusted me throughout the game.” The Cowboys shot only 40% from the field in the first half, entering halftime down 38-31. The deficit grew to 10 once the second half started before Cunningham, alongside Bryce Williams, began to dig them out of the hole. Williams finished with 15
points, six of which came from back-to-back threes that pulled the Cowboys to within one midway through the second. “Bryce’s two threes were huge to kind of keep us there,” coach Mike Boynton said. “It continued to take pressure off (Cunningham).” Williams was unavailable after the game, but Cunningham said that the team has come to expect this from Williams. “(Bryce had) confidence,” Cunningham said. “He stepped into his shots and let them fly like we’re used to seeing him do.” The teams traded buckets for the final 10 minutes, and
with nine seconds left, OU’s Brady Manek deposited a rebound into the net to tie the game at 75, sending the game to overtime. Cunningham scored 10 of the Cowboys 19 points in OT, and an offensive rebound by Kalib Boone with 19 seconds left sealed the upset victory for the Cowboys. “The play of the game might have been Kalib Boone getting the offensive rebound and preserving the possession,” Boynton said. De’Vion Harmon led the Sooners with 23 points, with junior Austin Reaves a close second at 22. Rebounding and free
throws were crucial for OSU, grabbing 45 boards to the Sooners 28 and shooting 88% from the charity stripe to the OU’s 70%. Playing with what Boynton calls “competitive stamina,” the ability to play harder for longer is something Avery Anderson said was a big role in OSU’s overtime victory, and a key reason they are 4-0 in games that go to overtime. “We’ve been in this situation plenty of times,” Anderson said. “We executed on offense and got stopped on the defensive end.” sports.ed@ocolly.com
Page 2 Monday, March 1, 2021
News
Power Continued from pg. 1 “Let’s recognize, none of this would be possible for us if it wasn’t for Mrs. Nancy Randolph Davis,” Dew said. The first Miss Black OSU was crowned in the fall of 1970, and the emphasis of the pageant, empowerment, culture and diversity, still hold to the crown today. The first contestant, Kiana Carpenter, a junior in applied exercise science, chose to represent current congresswoman Cori Bush in her act. For her platform, she dedicated the stage to children facing abuse with her program called L.O.V.E children. This stands for listening, observing, valuing and encouraging children. Carpenter places 3rd in the overall competition, receiving awards for entrepreneurship and being the 2nd runner up. The second contestant,
Becka Cammon, junior in marketing and analytics, used her act to represent Diahann Carrol, an American actress and one of the earliest actresses to be featured in all-Black casts. Her platform focused on single parenthood within the Black community. Cammon received awards for academic scholarship, overall talent and was named 2021’s reigning Miss Black OSU. The third contestant, Cayden Ward, a freshman in communications sciences and disorders used her act to represent Shirley Chisolm, the first African American woman to ever be voted into the United States Congress. Her platform, Compass, focused on mental health awareness for children. She received the people’s choice award, cultural wear award, overall evening wear award, and an award for the best interview. She was named the first runner up for Miss Black OSU 2021. Throughout the night the crowd cheered as the contestants danced, presented their flatforms and represented
Alicia Young Miss Black OSU 2021, Becka Cammon, during the Miss Black OSU pageant on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at the Student Union Theater.
their movement leaders of choice. The evening was filled with culture, music and cheering. All donations received that night were passed along to the Payne County Youth Services in order to bring the best quality care to the Payne County community. The pageant scholarship
awarded a $250 scholarship award to the second runner up, Kiana Carpenter, a $500 scholarship to the first runner up, Cayden Ward, and a $1000 scholarship to the Miss Black OSU of 2021, Becka Cammon. news.ed@ocolly.com
Students on the block OK State Stand United hosts block party for Black History Month By Samantha Sanchez In honor of the closing of Black History Month, OK State Stand United hosted a final block party to spread awareness of diversity and black culture. OK State Stand United is a movement led by students that sheds a light on the experiences of Black students at OSU with an emphasis on overall racial inequalities in the community as well. “It can be hard because you see Black History Month posts and you read stuff, but actually having a space to come together with people and celebrate it together, and get to hear other people’s experiences, I think is very awesome,” Lauren Egleston, a multimedia journalism senior, said. When asked about diversity to some of the organizers at the event, every answer began with a heavy sigh. “The diversity is there, and it’s decent for a primarily white institution, but I would say that the inclusion maybe isn’t because you see the diversity in people at OSU, but you don’t see how different communities cross over. Different people aren’t
Courtesy of OK State Stand United In collaboration with The Coffee House and the Red Pantry, students led organization, OK State Stand United hosted a block party to celebrate Black History Month
typically having interracial friendships, people generally stay in their circle,” Payton Dougherty, a political science senior and co-organizer for the event, said. Expanding the ‘circle’ was the main purpose of the event, which, according to the leaders of the event, all begins with the power of the spoken word. “It’s all conversations. Just breaking down any barriers that might limit those conversations and that stop you from reaching out,” Sean Tolbert, business
management senior and co-organizer of the block party, said. One of the ways that OK State Stand United strived to recognize the struggles of others was to partner with the Red Pantry Committee, a student lead organization dedicated to bringing awareness to period poverty. “We were thinking of ways to celebrate black history and a lot of black history is about service. Black people historically work to increase the rights of marginalized people
which actually helps everyone in society. So we wanted to do a type of service event. We were thinking of what can we do for our school and we got connected to Red Pantry. We found out that one in five students who menstruate have to skip class because of period poverty and can’t afford the products they need. So we said ‘okay, we will partner for you for our black history month event and try to get students the supplies they need on campus,’” Dougherty said.
People were able to come to the block party and donate menstrual hygiene products to the Red Pantry Committee, earn prizes, and help with two prominent societal issues at once. “They actually reached out to us because they were interested in promoting the fight against period poverty and also kind of educating people about how period poverty was linked to poverty in minority communities,” Seraiah Coe, natural science and ecology senior and head of the Red Pantry Committee, said. Both OK State Stand United and the Red Pantry committee need highly involved students in order to keep fighting for their purpose, a goal that, organizers say, was achieved at the block party. “I wasn’t sure how having a black event in Stillwater if people would actually want to come or if anyone would be rude to us or anything, but so far it has been super happy and a lot more people have shown up than I originally expected,” Tionne Fultz, chemical engineering sophomore, said. news.ed@ocolly.com
News Q&A with Destinee Adams, Director of OK State Stand United that we emphasize these three businesses that helped us do this and it’s important that we emphasize the OSU Red Pantry because that directly affects the OSU community. The OSU Red Pantry specializes in period poverty, which actually affects a lot more students than people realize. No one should ever have to stay at home because they don’t have a tampon or pad to go to class. I know it’s kind of a graphic subject for people that don’t have to deal with it, or it might be a subject that people are uncomfortable talking about, but it is an actual problem. We just want people to be aware that we have resources on campus that can help them if they don’t have the money. We are all college students. We all struggle. And just knowing that people have a place to go is important (so they can) go and get those products.”
Q: What is one question you wish people would ask you about OK State Stand United?
Courtesy of OK State Stand United Destinee Adams, Director of OK State Stand United, sits down with Staff Reporter, Anna Pope, for interview during the block party on Saturday.
By Anna Pope On Saturday OK State Stand United hosted a block party to bring something “uplifting and joyful” to the OSU and surrounding community. In partnership with the Red Pantry and collaboration with The Coffee House, the block party lasted from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and hosted a raffle with over 20 prizes. Director of OK State Stand United, Destinee Adams, shared some insight to the event and value of Black History Month.
Q: How long have you guys been planning this event? A: “...We’ve been planning for this for a really long time just because we knew Black History Month was going to be a time for us to do something in the community that was just uplifting and joyful for Black History Month,”
Q: What does Black History Month mean to you? A: “I think it’s just a month to really get people’s attention because Black history is American history.
Because I’m Black every day, I’m not just Black for a month, millions of people aren’t just Black for a month, so Black history is American history. But, I think this is just a pivotal time in the year for people that are not Black to key into history and learn things that they probably didn’t know and really enjoy our culture with us and really recognize us.”
Q: OK State Stand United is active in activism, why is it important for this organization to have a community-based event? A: “When we march, we only march for a cause, there is always a purpose for a march, march is not something you do to have a photo op or have a photo shoot; a march is something you do to get something. So, we did not want to have a march because we are not asking for anything right now, even though there is still racial injustice in the country. You have a march when you’re asking for something and each of our marches have had a purpose. So, we really wanted to do this event to celebrate our community...”
Q: This event is encircled around Black-
owned businesses and you have other organizations here like the Red Pantry. Please describe how important it is to have these things be a part of this block party. A: “When we decided to have a block party, again we always do things for a purpose, so we really wanted to emphasize Black businesses that have contributed to their communities outside of their business. Hanks Cool Cooking and George’s Happy Hog, both of them have given back to their communities and they are both from Oklahoma City. Also, we have a table of prizes, because we are doing raffle tickets, that came from a black-owned bookstore. Right now, that Black-owned bookstore, which is called Nappy Roots, is really struggling because bookstores right now aren’t doing great as is but they’re also in a Black community that is disenfranchised… So, we decided to take our money from ModMuze (Magazine), from the donation drive they did for us, and we took all of that money and we bought books from Nappy Roots. We just want to bring awareness to Nappy Roots because we want to keep them open because they are a pivotal part of the OKC community. It’s important
A: “I wish people would ask me about how OK State Stand United helps their community,...I wish people would ask personal questions about the organizers because they’re good people, they’re really good people. They are students and they are some of the smartest, most caring beings I have ever met. From the outside, it might not look like that to a lot of people. It might look like we’re complaining, or we are just doing too much but they are doing these things for good causes and they are doing it for free. I think they should get more recognition for the people that they are.”
Q: Have you seen an uptick in interest or people asking you questions about the impact you are having in the community? A: “Yeah, actually we do have a really strong base, we call them the OK State Stand United Community because they show up to all of our events, they are so excited and they’re willing to help outside of our events. We have people asking us all the time how they can help us, how they can join, and I think we have a really solid community. I’m very thankful for the community we do have because it’s mixed of all races. It’s Hispanic, Latino, there’s white people, there’s black people, there’s Asian American people, there’s a lot of people are willing to help us. I think that is probably the best part of doing this. That is the most rewarding part of doing this.”t news.ed@ocolly.com
Page 4 Monday, March 1, 2021
Lifestyle
Coming Soon: Varsity Review! By Addison Duling Varsity Review is a musical and dancing show put on by OSU’s Greek life each spring. This year’s Varsity Review, or VR, show week is taking place April 7 through 10. Show directors from different affiliations across campus have been working hard to put together try-out performances, which took place February 21. Executive show directors Alicia Young and Jonathan Cooper watched these shows and helped decide on the final show cast. Alicia Young is a senior from Napa, California, who works as the executive productions director for VR. She works with the cast and directors from the different Greek houses. “The best way to describe Varsity Review is like a series of mini-musicals,” Young said. “There are 10 casts made up of 26 participants. Usually, it is a fraternity paired with a sorority but this year we have a pairing of two sororities which I think is cool.” Each cast will put on a 10-minute show composed of anywhere from 5-7 songs. In addition, each group makes up their own theme, story and costumes for their production. Jonathan Cooper, a senior from Owasso, Oklahoma, enjoys being on steering because he gets to see how the casts progress in their productions throughout the semester. “You watch these shows going from egg and flour to cake throughout the semester. You see the shows start from scratch and become the best that they can be and that is one of my favorite things
about being on steering,” Cooper said. Cooper is the Steering Executive Director. Steering is a bunch of different committees that work behind the scenes of the show. They do everything from ticket sales to weekly visits to the different casts. “Jonathan and I can only do so much,” Young said. “Steering really is like our backbone.” Young summed up the overall theme for this year’s VR with the term “circus vibes.” While there isn’t an official theme for the overall show, the different casts came
up with lots of unique ideas. “Quite a few casts went in a decades direction; I would say the 1950s to ‘90s. At tryouts we saw everything from tweed coats to plaid skirts and sweaters from the ‘70s,” Young said. In the past couple of years, VR has also been working to raise money for philanthropy. This year they are working with The United Way of Payne County. Normally, there is another Greek show in the spring semester called “Spring Sing.” Due to COVID, this production was not able to take place, so VR is also taking over their phi-
lanthropy which is Coaches Versus Cancer. “I’m excited to work with both of these really great organizations. Especially with COVID, the problems they support don’t go away, so it’s exciting for us to actually have an in-person show and have casts on stage to raise money,” Young said. The casts will still be working the next couple of months to finalize their productions for the 92nd annual Varsity Review show this April. entertainment.ed@ocolly.com
OPEN YOUR HEART! Open your heart and let him in. God will remove all your sorrow and sin. He may not pass this way again, so open your heart and let Him come in. Take His hand. Take His nail scared hand. Let Him show you the way. Jesus will be your dearest friend, so open your heart and let Him come in. This song is especially for those who have never come to Christ; to receive His forgiveness and a new life of reality with God. This invitation is open to all. No matter what your background. No matter the magnitude of you sin. Jesus can save, forgive and change any or all that come to Him. To die without Christ, is to face God’s judgement without a Saviour, and to face eternal existence without the blessing and presence of a loving God; who sent His son, Jesus
Christ, into the world to die and take the penalty for my and your sins. Everyone who is without Christ in their lives, ought to be running to Him; not delaying a moment longer. The Bible tells us that “whosoever calls on the name of the Lord (Jesus) will be saved. You don’t have to be in a church building. You can pull your car over to the roadside; you can stop a moment at work or home. You can pray with a friend. You can sincerely call on the Lord wherever you are. He turns no one away. I did this very thing in November, 1956 and started an adventure with God that continues today. Go for life’s best. It counts for now and for eternity. “Jesus! Jesus! Jesus! Sweetest name I know. Fills my every longing. Keeps me singing as I go!”
GOOD MONEY
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Page 6 Monday, March 1, 2021
sports
Unsung heroes Avery Anderson’s success in key moments continues against Oklahoma
Dean Ruhl Oklahoma guard Austin Reaves dribbled the ball up the court. The Sooners, down three, 4:50 left in the game had a chance to tie it, the ball in one of their best players hands. In front of him, Oklahoma State guard Avery Anderson. Reaves moved to the left side of the 3-point line and readied a shot, but MatthewAlexander Moncrieffe maked him second guess. With his right hand, Reaves awkwardly attempted a pass to teammate Elijah Harkless at the top of the key, which was swiped away by Anderson, who was fouled on the subsequent fast break. Anderson, shooting 87.2% from the charity stripe this season, sinks both free throws, expanding the Cowboy lead to five. “Whatever we need to do to get the win for the team that’s what I’m going to do,” Anderson said. The sophomore continues to deliver in key moments, a trend that continued in Saturday’s OSU’s 94-90 victory over Oklahoma. Cade Cunningham’s 40
Photo courtesy: Courtney Bay/OSU Athletics Avery Anderson III follows through on his shot during Oklahoma State’s game against Texas Tech in Gallagher-Iba Arena on Feb. 22, 2021.
points grabbed the headlines, and rightfully so, but Anderson’s 15 points tied for second on the team. He scored seven of OSU’s first 14 points today and assisted on an important three from Bryce Williams in overtime. A contested layup the following possession by Anderson helped keep OSU’s lead. “I’m just playing basketball,” Anderson said. “I’m doing whatever my team needs me to do.” When the Cowboys were down 11 against Texas Tech, Anderson led them back into the game. When OSU needed rebounds in its double overtime win over Texas, Anderson grabbed a season-high 10. Coach Mike Boynton believes he’s bought into his philosophy. “When you arrive, you’re this,” Boynton said. “If you do it right, follow the blueprint, then by the end of the season, you’ll be a different player.” Along with Kalib Boone and Bryce Williams, Anderson has become a Cowboy who is having a great season under the radar. “I always say if, I need to get stops on defensive end, then I’m going to do that,” Anderson said. “If that’s taking some of the scoring off Cade, I’m going to do that.” sports.ed@ocolly.com
FOR RELEASE MARCH 1, 2021
Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle
Business Squares
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Church Meetings Join the New Covenant Fellowship for service every Sunday at 10am and share in our passion for Jesus Christ!” UKirk university group at First Presbyterian Church meets every week! Join us for Bible study every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.! For more information or for Zoom access, visit us at stillwaterfpc.com Join us every Sunday for our live streaming services! Matins @ 8:50am and Divine Liturgy @ 10:00am.”
Announcements
Applications for both Summer Semester 2021 and Fall Semester 2021 Editor-in-Chief of The O’Colly will be accepted from now thru Tuesday, March 9, 2021. Applications are now available in the Paul Miller Journalism and Broadcasting Building, room 106. Applicants must return their completed applications to room 106 no later than 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 9, 2021. This application process involves two separate positions; EIC for Summer and EIC for Fall. Applicants can apply for one or the other, or both positions. Be sure to indicate which position(s) you wish to be considered for on the application form. To be eligible for Editor-In-Chief, the applicant must be a student on the Stillwater campus of Oklahoma State University, be in good academic standing (i.e., not on academic probation), have a grade point average of not less than 2.5, and have completed at least 60 hours toward a degree. Applicant must show evidence of having worked one semester writing for The O’Colly. Students serving as an Editor-in-Chief may take up to 6 credit hours of independent study in consultation and approval of their major advisor. An internship on a newspaper in a newsroom capacity may be substituted for one semester of service on The O’Colly. The internship must meet the requirements of the School of Media and Strategic Communications’ current internship course.
Daily Horoscope
Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis ACROSS 1 Nannies and billies 6 Skylit courtyards 11 Toyota Prius, e.g. 14 Tin Pan __ 15 Transactions with interest 16 Pub pour 17 *Data transmission science 19 Khaki-colored 20 Pedal pusher 21 Full moon, e.g. 22 Cartoon maker of iron bird seed 23 Salinger teen who says, “I prefer stories about squalor” 24 *Elementary school fundraiser 26 Whistle blower 28 Piece for three instruments pop-ups 32 Major artery 36 Irritate 39 Quick swim 40 Fell behind 42 Golf ball holder 43 Stockpile 45 Dig deeply (into) 46 Pigs out (on), briefly 47 Blacken in a pan 49 Dictator Amin Columbo 56 “Shoo!” 60 The “I” in MIT: Abbr. 61 Ceremonial conical structure 62 Tra-__: refrain syllables 63 “__, humbug!” 64 Track meet infractions ... or short words hiding at the beginning of the answers to starred clues 66 Musician Brian 67 Had the flu, say 68 Cove, e.g. 69 Tennis do-over 70 Sanctify 71 Love to pieces
Level 1
3/1/21
By Catherine Cetta
DOWN 1 Faux pas 2 Mixed bags 3 “Tuesdays With Morrie” author Mitch 4 Wobble 5 Leb. neighbor 6 A, as in Athens 7 Invoice word reward 9 Motivate 10 Biblical beast of burden 11 Not be fooled by 12 San Antonio mission 13 Continue to subscribe 18 Decide on 22 Z __ zebra 25 Swapped 27 Patronizes, as a restaurant 29 Oral health org. 30 Not bright, as a light 31 Many a NASA mission 33 “Far out, dude!” 34 White-__: formal 35 Every one
2
3
Saturday’s Puzzle Solved
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3/1/21
37 Ref. work that 51 Defame in print added “YOLO” in 52 Foolish 2016 backward or preferred forward response 54 Vaulted alcoves 41 Paperless party 55 Requirements announcements 57 Monte __ 44 “__ up!”: “Quiet!” 58 Raise a hemline 48 Sell directly to the on, say consumer 59 Sample, as food 50 Manhattan or 64 Tide alternative Staten 65 Spanish aunt
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Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency Linda Black Horoscopes
Today’s Birthday (03/01/21). Invent new possibilities this year. Disciplined efforts realize your vision. Reach a professional turning point this spring, before a summer
To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging. partner. Discuss possibilities and potential. Don’t worry about the future. Focus on here and now. Enjoy a moment of bliss. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is an 8 — What you’re learning energizes your trusted coach or teacher. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 7 — Make time for fun. Talk about what you love. Enjoy your favorite games, sports or diversions with interesting people. Savor precious shared moments. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is an 8 — Apply your talents and creativity to home improvement. Small changes can make a big difference. Clean, sort and organize. Nurture yourself and family. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 9 — You’re especially brilliant and creative. Write and sketch your ideas. Speculate. Articulate your vision. Network and collaborate with talented friends. Share your views. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is a 9 — Wheel and deal. Prepare a winning conversation. Talk about an idea with potential. and communicate to broaden your reach. Draw upon hidden resources. Maintain a mystery. Use your power responsibly. Emotional creativity works. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 6 — Private introspection suits your mood. Enjoy your secret sanctuary. Organize and revise plans for new circumstances. You’re especially sensitive. Nurture yourself especially. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is a 7 — One good friend leads to another. Confer with allies and colleagues. Work with committees and teams can be especially effective. Collaborate for common gain. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 7 — Consider professional opportunities. Discuss the potential with trusted friends and allies. Test your theories before Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is an 8 — Your investigation is getting
3/1/21 Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit sudoku.org.uk
delicious threads and discoveries. Unravel a mystery. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is an 8 — Study money and review resources. Take it all philosophically. Find clever ways to reuse and repurpose things.
Page 8 Monday, March 1, 2021
sports Column: Bedlam brings out different Cade Cunningham
By Grant Ramirez This was a different Cade Cunningham. One I hadn’t seen before. I was lucky enough to see Cunningham in person in his first game in an Oklahoma State uniform at UT Arlington. I could instantly see he was a different kind of talent compared to everyone else on the court. The potential No. 1 pick’s versatility and skill at his size is built for the modern NBA. Cunningham can
score from anywhere on the court. His willingness as a passer is remarkable. He can defend any position. He has quenched any doubts about his outside shot. Against Oral Roberts, Cunningham put up a then-career high 29 points in what I thought was a bad game for him. Against big time opponents, he almost always steps up when his team needs him most. Cunningham is obviously a big reason why the Cowboys have had a successful season.
However, this team isn’t all Cunningham. The Cowboys have proved that by having success when he isn’t on the court. They have some real players who aren’t talked about nearly as much. But today, in OSU’s 94-90 Bedlam victory against No. 7 Oklahoma, it was all Cunningham. For all of the 44 minutes he played, he displayed a different level of aggressiveness. The kind he usually only brings out in crunch time. The step-back threes, contested jump-
ers and isolation drives were a consistent presence. Getting his own looked to be his priority, rather than setting up his teammates like normal. Late in the game and in overtime, he drew the attention of the entire Sooner defense and still got buckets. It was a masterful showing that resulted in a career-high 40 points. The one doubt I did have about Cunningham as far as his NBA future is whether he could be scary enough as a scorer to single handedly turn around a franchise.
I don’t doubt that anymore. Mike Boynton has said throughout the season that Cunningham does whatever his team needs for it to win. I didn’t fully understand that until today. There have been games when I wish Cunningham played with the mentality he did against Oklahoma. But he knows when he needs to bring that out, and he knows when to lean on his teammates. I think he is understanding it more as the season goes on. Along with his offensive performance today, Cunningham made some huge defensive plays down the stretch. He was constantly talking on the court, looking like the team’s unquestioned leader. Impressive stuff for a freshman, even one of his stature. I haven’t watched much of the other potential top draft picks, but I know what there is in Cunningham. And I think Boynton put it perfectly. “Whoever has the No. 1 pick… they can overthink this,” Boynton said. “This one’s not that hard. It’s not that hard. “It’s a shame more people haven’t been able to see this in person. He’s as special of a kid as I’ve been around. In my opinion, his legacy was stamped in our history a long time ago. Every big play we needed him to make, he made today.” sports.ed@ocolly.com