2007 Oregon State Beavers Basketball Preview

The Oregon State Beavers (11- 21 overall and 3- 15 Pac-10) had a dismal season last year on the courts and in the NCAA basketball odds. The trouble is it was no different than most of their seasons over the past decade or so. The last time the club was included in March Madness betting was 1990. For coach Jay John (66- 85 in five years with Oregon State and overall), this is his make or break season. If he can’t get the team to a winning mark, John is gone.

With only 13.4 TPG, Oregon State finished fifth in the Pac-10 in turnovers. That was this club’s best stat. In just about every other category, the Beavers were either eighth, ninth or tenth in the conference. The team shot only .290 in threes and .418 in field goals. Their foul shooting was absolutely dismal at .596.

Senior forward Marcel Jones (15.3 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 45.1 FG%) returns as the team’s top point scorer and second-best rebounder. The good news is that Jones has added about six points each season to his average. Additionally, he averages 1.5 steals each contest. Sophomore forward/center Roeland Schaftenaar (3.2 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 47.2 FG%) will be asked to step-up this season. Will sophomore Calvin Hampton (1.3 PPG, 1.2 RPG, 44.0 FG%) or junior transfer C.J. Giles, who will be eligible to play in December, get the start in the frontcourt?

Guard Josh Tarver (9.2 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 36.2 FG%) is a fine floor general but must hone his shot. The other guard position, the shooter, is up for grabs. It could be one of three—sophomore Seth Tarver (2.4 PPG, 1.7 RPG, 0.9 APG, 38.3 FG%), junior Jack McGillis (5.7 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 0.7 APG, 40.6 FG%) or reshirted frosh player Lathen Wallace, who’s a good shooter.

The Beavers have a relatively soft schedule, and they are an improved team. More than 11 wins is a given. But how many more is the question? A winning season in a conference like the highly competitive Pac-10 is improbable and don’t expect Oregon State to play in either the NCAA March Madness or NIT. Making the NIT would be a major accomplishment.