Oklahoma State Men's Basketball 8th In The Big 12?

The Big 12 Conference announced their pre-season coaches poll today. Kansas was selected to hold onto their reign, but it was by a very slim margin over the Texas Longhorns.

Oh how times have changed. Just a season ago Oklahoma State was selected to knock the Jayhawks off their perch, and Stillwater was buzzing with excitement. Some mid-season struggles derailed the Pokes however, and they finished the regular season 8th in the conference. Ironically, that's exactly where the Big 12 coaches think the Cowboys will land this year.

Honestly, I don't know what to make of this. I don't know whether to be frustrated that this is the state of Oklahoma State basketball, or if I should be impressed that they're projected to be as good as last year's squad that featured Marcus Smart, and Markel Brown. They've moved on the NBA though, and Le'Bryan Nash, Phil Forte, and Michael Cobbins highlight this year's team.

There's plenty of talent donning America's brightest orange with even more talent in the wings. Travis Ford continues to be an excellent recruiter, but his coaching struggles are well documented. I want to believe the Cowboys can be better, but I just don't know.