Big Week for OSU Hoops
In just his second year as a full-time starter for the Oregon State University men’s basketball team, Jared Cunningham was able to add yet another achievement to his legacy as a Beaver.
The annual PAC-12 honors were handed down this past week and Cunningham found himself a member of the All Conference 1st Team (his first selection), and he also received All-Defensive Team honors (his 2nd consecutive selection).
Cunningham led the PAC-12 in scoring (18.2 ppg) and steals (2.57 spg). His 2.57 steals per game is a whopping .6 more steals per game than the next closest player (Tony Wroten).
While Cal’s Jorge Gutierrez received Player of the Year honors in the PAC-12, many a Beaver fan will tell you that Cunningham’s year was more impressive across the board and was more deserved of the POY status.
Jared Cunningham was able to add yet another achievement to his legacy as a Beaver.
Gripes aside, Cunningham certainly displayed his indelible athleticism in nearly every game, and continued to solidify himself as one of the greatest basketball players to call Gill Coliseum home.
In a November 19th match-up against Texas, a semifinal game in the TicketCity Legends Classic, Cunningham recorded a career high 37 points, on 8-18 from the field and an astounding 20-23 from the charity stripe. Adding 9 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal, Flight helped carry the Beavers in a thrilling 100-95 OT victory of the Longhorns.
While Cunningham was only able to record 30+ points one other time on the season (33 in a 83-73 loss to WSU on Feb. 9th), he certainly carried Beaver Nation throughout most of the season and its his competitive drive that provides Oregon State with a glimmer of hope in the upcoming PAC-12 tournament.
Kicking off Wednesday, at 12pm (PST) on FSN, the Beavers will face the Washington State Cougars in the first game of the PAC-12 tournament, held in Los Angeles, California.
WSU has bested OSU in both meetings this year, but its Cunningham who plays the X-Factor for this Beaver team. That’s not to say that the likes of Ahmad Starks, Eric Moreland, Roberto Nelson or Devon Collier won’t play their part, but Cunningham received high praise for his play this year for a reason.
And it’s that play from Cunningham that makes Oregon State a scary team come tournament time.
Until then enjoy a Cunningham alley-oop jam that’s up for 2012 Dunk of the Year (what can’t this guy do?):
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