DYNAMIC DUO CADE CUNNINGHAM AND ISAAC LIKEKELE LOOK TO THRIVE AS OSU’S BACKCOURT DUO NEXT SEASON
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Michigan State coach tom izzo recently appeared on the o’Colly’s in the Novo podcast to discuss osu basketball and Eddie Sutton:
“I was happy to see that [Cade Cunningham] stayed with his commitment. I think that speaks volumes about the university, the basketball program and the fanbase.” -Tom izzo
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Column: Cade Cunningham and Isaac Likekele will flourish next to each other S u dee p Tu m m a , Sports Editor, @as k tu m ma
Nov. 5, 2019 — the day Oklahoma State fans rejoiced in happiness. The pieces were coming together. Potential No. 1 overall pick Cade Cunningham out of Montverde Academy became the centerpiece of what eventually became a top-5 OSU recruiting class that rivals as one of, if not the school’s best ever. But as the season went on, the notion that “Cade isn’t a shooter” arose, which led some people to question the fit in the backcourt between Cunningham and All-Big 12 honorable mention Isaac Likekele. It’s just not that simple. Breaking down Cunningham’s game The first thing we have to do is take a look into Cunningham’s game and what makes him so special. And that begins with dispelling the belief that Cunningham can’t shoot. Now I’m not going to sit here and tell you he’s an elite shooter, but he’s much better from deep than people realize. Cunningham’s shooting mechanics are sound with a high release point and a natural shooting motion. That allows him to be a solid 3-point shooter who’s capable of hitting from deep if/when teams give him space. Just turn WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2020
Isaac Likekele will look to continue his OSU success with Cade Cunningham in the same backcourt next season
on a Montverde game and you’ll see. He’s an underrated shooter, but that isn’t the reason people are clamoring over him. The 6-foot-7 point guard’s feel for the game is off the charts. His IQ is the engine of what makes him such a tantalizing talent.The first trait you notice is the passing. Oh my god, the passing. Cunningham’s vision is simply elite. He sees the whole court and then some. His playmaking ability is special — he can find anyone and hit them from so many difficult angles. He makes one-handed passes effortlessly, he makes savvy pocket passes and has the strength to make tough cross-court passes, which is not easy
to do, but when you can, it opens up the court even more. It’s honestly next-level playmaking — Cunningham uses eye discipline and body manipulation to get the defense out of position and open up passing lanes. He’ll make the defense think he’s doing one thing, then do something completely different. And when his team’s in transition, Cunningham can grab a rebound and throw a pinpoint outlet pass.. Cunningham is extremely unselfish. He’s always looking for his teammates, ready to make the right play, but that shouldn’t take away from his scoring prowess. As a scorer, Cunningham is lethal at the rim.
His strength and skill allow him to score in traffic and finish through contact with ease. But to score at the rim, you need to be able to get past your defender and get in the paint, which Cunningham can certainly do. While he’s not an elite athlete, he’s a solid one. He understands his weaknesses and maximizes his strength. Cunningham mixes athleticism with tremendous body control and strength to get to the rim He’s a maestro in the pick-and-roll game. Cunningham has an excellent pace to his game — he knows when to speed up, when to slow down, how to operate Which is where the highlights come from.
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When he feels an opening, Cunningham bursts to the rim for those gaudy drunks, he bursts in transition and goes coastto-coast for a fastbreak slam. He’s undoubtedly a superstar. And with many superstars, the defensive intensity is often lagging behind. That’s most certainly not the case here. Cunningham constantly picks up his man at halfcourt. And he doesn’t just pressure them lightly to slow down their pace, he hounds and harasses them. He forces mistakes and bad decisions. With a 7-foot wingspan, Cunningham has the physical tools to excel on defense, but he’s just a competitive defender. He’s constantly working
on that side of the ball. And his IQ is once again aiding him here. Cunningham understands switches so well, he knows when/how to rotate and provide weak side help if needed. Cunningham provides you the full package. He can score all three levels, he’s a two-way threat and he’s going to be a perfect fit on OSU’s roster. Here’s why it works Likekele and Cunningham aren’t strangers. They’re from the same city, they’ve won a gold medal together. Now the two are set to share a backcourt together. We’re entering an era of positionless basketball — versatile players are at a premium. Cunningham might be a point guard now, but many people forget he played small forward before his junior year. Why is that important? It means he understands how to move without the ball, how to play within the flow of an offense And it’s not just presumptuous, you see it in the games. For such a ball-dominant player, Cunningham still thrives on catch-and-shoot opportunities. When he runs off screens, albeit rarely, it’s on time and fluid. Even just standing at the perimeter, he understands how to make subtle movements to get himself open, which
C OV E R S T O RY speaks to his feel for the game. We talked about Cunningham’s unselfishness, and Likekele is equally unselfish. For both of these excellent playmakers, it’s more than just the passing — it’s the willingness to adapt to the situation If one of them calls a play, hands the ball to a teammate who’s “on fire,” then takes themselves out of the play, they’ll be content with that because it’s the right play.
Sounds simple, right? But in an era where stats are so important, how many point guards would rather pick up an assist than hand the ball off and take themselves out of a play? With these two guys, you have two point guards out on the floor. But that’s an advantage more than a handicap. You have two guys to push the ball in transition, two guys who can control the pace, two guys who can make a play when you need it. Like Cunningham,
O S U Bas k e t ba l l Likekele is someone who gives you versatility. Likekele came in as a true combo guard. He has those shooting guard skills, and we see it on the hardwood. Likekele can move well without the ball, he comes off dribble handoffs and continues in stride. He can even post up small guards and work out of the low block — another advantage for those two-PG lineups. He has a lot of qualities of a prototypical shooting guard — minus the shooting.
There’s no way to get around that. That’s something Likekele will have to develop. But who’s to say he hasn’t? We saw Likekele last season hit midrange jumpers when teams gave him space. Now he’ll have the chance to extend his range over the offseason. But let’s not forget, OSU should have some improved shooting with the additions of knockdown shooters Donovan Williams and Ferron Flavors Jr., paired with promising second-year
No. 1 recruit Cade Cunningham is a crucial part of OSU’s success next season. WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2020
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guys like Keylan Boone and Chris Harris. The reality is, even if Likekele doesn’t develop a shot, even if Cunningham isn’t a deadly shooter, these guys are way too talented. Let’s say theoretically Likekele penetrates into the paint, gets Cunnigham’s defender to move just a few feet, then passes to Cunningham. That’s enough leverage to allow Cunningham to work off a dribble drive and explode to the rim. Then on defense, these two will be a terror. Cun-
ningham can lock down 1-3 and maybe even power forwards. Likekele has already proven to be a menace on that side of the ball. This backcourt is going to cause some mayhem on defense. Fit is so important in sports. So often, talent is thrown together and people forget about how it’ll all fit together. This backcourt doesn’t belong in that category. This tandem is going to thrive.
Courtney Bay/ OSU athletics
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Horoscope
FOR RELEASE JULY 1, 2020
Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis
By Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency Todays Birthday (07/01/20). Your partnership grows this year. Reliable collaboration scores significant gains. Expect community surprises. Plan a quest or adventure. Personal breakthroughs this summer lead to a turning point with a partner. Winter transitions inspire thoughtful introspection leading to surging energy, health and vitality. You’re better together. To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is a 7 — Your emotions may want to explore and travel, yet your actions and words center around domestic concerns. A brilliant idea sparks. Do the research. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is an 8 — You’re especially interested in stability, especially regarding family finances. Get advice from a respected elder. Review data from another view for new possibilities. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 9 — Collaborate and brainstorm. Creativity with innovative and potentially lucrative solutions arises in conversation. Conclude agreements privately. Measure advancement. Make adjustments. Work together. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is an 8 — Physical action gets results. Personal discipline with healthy practices grows strength, endurance and performance levels. Push and take satisfying ground. Get your heart pumping. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is an 8 — Prioritize fun, romance and family. Play and practice your special arts. Natural settings inspire and heal. A sudden move changes the game. Notice hidden beauty. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is an 8 — Your heart’s at home. Friends want to connect. Align words and actions to contribute to a shared project from your own castle. Find workable solutions. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is an 8 — Dive into a new assignment. Creativity energizes the conversation. Do the homework to get the results you want. Listen to intuition and your team. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 9 — Rake in gold coins. Study new markets and opportunities. Make long-distance connections. Broaden your horizons through a wider conversation. Push to advance a profitable venture. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is a 9 — Step into leadership. Take care of business. Find new ways to work smarter. Use your wits. You’re especially strong and creative. Handle practical work. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 6 — Rest and recharge. Consider current events and their impact. Discuss developments with your partner. Find solutions in conversation. Peaceful meditation relaxes and soothes. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is an 8 — Friends are there for you. Connect and share resources. Listen for what is wanted and needed. Physical action gets satisfying results. Discuss moves in advance. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is an 8 — Professional opportunities arise in conversation. Balance work with play for health and happiness. Take action toward love, fun and romance. Talk about your dream career.
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Solution to Tuesday’s puzzle
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
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ACROSS 1 Lion controllers 7 From the U.S. 11 Pained cries 14 Spotted wildcat 15 Brussels-based gp. 16 Chapel bench 17 Sorbetto alternative 18 Hall of Fame guest of honor 20 House speaker after Ryan 22 Coffee machine setting 23 “I’m at my __ end!” 26 Like many flights to LAX 27 Skating legend Sonja 28 More aloof 30 Extreme reaction to traffic 32 ’50s prez 33 Place to use a mitt 35 Grafton’s “__ for Evidence” 36 Went around in circles 38 Confound 42 Decompose 43 Suffix with gazillion 44 Brian of rock 45 “Standing” entrée 48 Strict precision 50 Simply not done 51 All-purpose vehicles, for short 53 Sugar source 54 In __: unborn 55 Dress down 57 New in theaters 59 Jalopy 63 Vous, less formally 64 Pair on a Disney World hat 65 Intersection with flashing lights and bells, for short, and a hint to this puzzle’s circles 66 Federal retirement org. 67 Actress Russo 68 Corrects, as text DOWN 1 Dress (up) 2 Opening day pitcher, typically
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3 “Coca Cola Cowboy” singer Tillis 4 Slip by, as time 5 Repetitive learning 6 Vodka with Razberi and Ohranj flavors 7 Jennifer of “The Good Girl” 8 Capital on Luzon 9 Boarding pass info 10 Volunteer with Teddy Roosevelt 11 Going (for) 12 Frank on the grill 13 Stockholm native 19 Pressed-pants feature 21 When rights are sometimes permitted 23 “The Martian” actress Kristen 24 Eww-inspiring 25 Concert level 29 “And away go troubles down the drain” company 31 Antelope playmates 34 Reject, presidentially
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47 The Tigers of the SEC 49 Climber’s tool 50 Clumps of hair 52 Buffalo NHLer 56 Time in office 58 “Norma __” 60 Bronze component 61 Terminate 62 Some NFL blockers