Oklahoma State basketball: Which players have said they’ll remain at OSU despite sanctions

Oklahoma State guard Chris Harris Jr. announced his intention to stay with the program Wednesday amidst sanctions handed down by the NCAA. Harris Jr. could have chosen to transfer and become immediately eligible.

Harris Jr’s. message echoes Isaac Likekele’s statement from Tuesday. Both iterated their relationships with coach Mike Boynton and his coaching staff were bonds too strong to be broken by a postseason ban or swayed by another college coach looking to pluck players who could immediately become eligible.

Harris Jr. has ten toes down in Stillwater along with several other teammates. Kalib Boone announced his intentions to stay on Instagram.

Boone stated “being loyal to your family is the greatest virtue you can have.” Loyalty has been a theme among those announcing intentions return. With the departures of Yor Anei and Hidde Roessink, Kalib Boone will be one of OSU’s tallest players next season. Boone received more playing time as the season went on and should expect to see an even larger increase in minutes next season.

Though not on OSU’s roster a season ago, transfer Ferron Flavors Jr. has also said he’ll stay with the program. Flavors transferred to OSU from California Baptist where he averaged 13.1 points per game on 41.8 percent shooting.

Though he hasn’t played a game for OSU yet, Flavors cited a strong relationship with the coaching staff in his statement as a primary reason he decided to stay with the program.

Another rising sophomore guard announced his intentions to stay put at OSU on Wednesday. Avery Anderson III made the announcement on his instagram and his parents always taught him to “stay true to the course.” Anderson and Harris Jr. will form a formidable backcourt when Likekele leaves school. Now Boynton has locked up both for the long term.

The re-commitment of Harris Jr, Flavors, Boone and Anderson speak to the program coach Boynton has built. Boynton has a solid core of players who have remained committed to the program despite the NCAA’s sanctions.

Update at 5:42 p.m. Wednesday: Donovan Williams

Williams, an incoming freshman, who committed to OSU in mid-April still plans to be a shooting guard for the Cowboys next season.

Williams stated “What were building here at Oklahoma State is bigger than just the NCAA Tourney.”

He adds “I came here to be a better Donovan on and off the court and I believe Coach B can help me do that.”

His remarks offer another glowing review for Boynton and the relationships he has built with athletes.

Update at 12:02 Thursday: Rondel Walker

Walker, a four-star combo guard from West Putnam City, took to Twitter to announce he’ll still be coming to Stillwater.

“As a player and as a simple young kid I feel like loyalty goes a long way,” Walker said.

He then talks about the loyalty Boynton showed him throughout his recruitment.

Walker, who committed to the Cowboys last October, is expected to be a big-time player even as a freshman.

Update at 2:26 Thursday: Bryce Williams

It’s only been two days, but Williams felt compelled to join his new teammates and stating he’ll be in Stillwater.

Williams, who has one year of eligibility left, decided to transfer from Ole Miss to OSU on Tuesday. The 6-foot-2 guard made 40.3-percent of his field goal attempts including 44-percent of his three-pointers last season.

“I choose Oklahoma State because of the culture they have,” he said. “They have a family bond they carry on and off the court. It’s a family with a lot of hungry players. Time to work!”