JimBob
01-31-2009, 08:09 AM
Moses improves his chances
By JIMMIE TRAMEL World Sports Writer
Published: 1/31/2009 2:19 AM
Last Modified: 1/31/2009 2:40 AM
Marshall Moses, fed up with the way his college basketball career was going, was ready to leave Oklahoma State. That's what he told coach Travis Ford earlier this season.
Ford has no tolerance for players who sulk about their role, so he essentially said "see you later" and offered to call other schools on Moses' behalf.
"If you want to continue the way you have been, we don't need you," Ford said.
"Now, if you are willing to make a change, you can really have an incredible three years here, better than you probably even anticipated."
Moses changed his attitude instead of changing schools. Five games into the Big 12 season, he is OSU's X-factor.
Moses averages 2.0 points and 6.7 rebounds in league losses. He averages 16.5 and 11.5 in league wins. His first double-double came in the Big 12 opener against Texas A&M. The Cowboys travel to A&M for a Saturday rematch.
Ford said Moses has played well enough to influence recruiting plans. He is counting on Moses to play 30 minutes a game and, eventually, become a starter.
Counting on Moses comes with an element of risk. Moses has been ready to quit more than once the past two seasons. He is so emotional that his emotions have to be channeled, or else. He's also so hyper (and has enough trouble sleeping) that his teammates call him Caffeine Boy.
Not yet 20, the sophomore forward admits maturity has not always been a strength.
"My definition of maturity, when I use it, is learning what my coaches expect of me and doing it on a consistent basis," he said. "I have never been good at that, especially in high school. I could just play basketball. I didn't know any fundamentals or how to win. I just knew how to put the ball in the basket."
Maybe that's why, after Kentucky failed to sign Moses, the player's high school coach said, "If I'm coaching Kentucky, I'd have to believe I could get better players. I wouldn't worry if I was a Kentucky fan or supporter. Only time will tell, and I hope I'm wrong for the kid's sake and Oklahoma State's sake."
The coach, Terry Truax, contacted media afterward and explained he was only trying to deliver a wake-up call. Truax phoned Moses last year and again said the words were intended to motivate.
Said Moses, "(Truax) said 'I will be the bad guy, but as long as you grow into the kind of player I think you can be, that's all that matters, whether you hate me or not.' "
Moses forgave Truax and wants OSU coaches to push him to be great. He knows he's not NBA-ready, but hopes he has NBA potential.
Would Moses want to coach himself?
"The Marshall Moses that I am now, I think I would," he said.
"I am still emotional. I can still get mad. But I am going to listen when Coach tells me to do something. Whatever it is, at all costs, I am going to do it.
"The Marshall Moses last year and the Marshall Moses that I have been (in the past), I wouldn't want to coach him. I would say he had talent, but he didn't have the attitude or work ethic to be successful."
By JIMMIE TRAMEL World Sports Writer
Published: 1/31/2009 2:19 AM
Last Modified: 1/31/2009 2:40 AM
Marshall Moses, fed up with the way his college basketball career was going, was ready to leave Oklahoma State. That's what he told coach Travis Ford earlier this season.
Ford has no tolerance for players who sulk about their role, so he essentially said "see you later" and offered to call other schools on Moses' behalf.
"If you want to continue the way you have been, we don't need you," Ford said.
"Now, if you are willing to make a change, you can really have an incredible three years here, better than you probably even anticipated."
Moses changed his attitude instead of changing schools. Five games into the Big 12 season, he is OSU's X-factor.
Moses averages 2.0 points and 6.7 rebounds in league losses. He averages 16.5 and 11.5 in league wins. His first double-double came in the Big 12 opener against Texas A&M. The Cowboys travel to A&M for a Saturday rematch.
Ford said Moses has played well enough to influence recruiting plans. He is counting on Moses to play 30 minutes a game and, eventually, become a starter.
Counting on Moses comes with an element of risk. Moses has been ready to quit more than once the past two seasons. He is so emotional that his emotions have to be channeled, or else. He's also so hyper (and has enough trouble sleeping) that his teammates call him Caffeine Boy.
Not yet 20, the sophomore forward admits maturity has not always been a strength.
"My definition of maturity, when I use it, is learning what my coaches expect of me and doing it on a consistent basis," he said. "I have never been good at that, especially in high school. I could just play basketball. I didn't know any fundamentals or how to win. I just knew how to put the ball in the basket."
Maybe that's why, after Kentucky failed to sign Moses, the player's high school coach said, "If I'm coaching Kentucky, I'd have to believe I could get better players. I wouldn't worry if I was a Kentucky fan or supporter. Only time will tell, and I hope I'm wrong for the kid's sake and Oklahoma State's sake."
The coach, Terry Truax, contacted media afterward and explained he was only trying to deliver a wake-up call. Truax phoned Moses last year and again said the words were intended to motivate.
Said Moses, "(Truax) said 'I will be the bad guy, but as long as you grow into the kind of player I think you can be, that's all that matters, whether you hate me or not.' "
Moses forgave Truax and wants OSU coaches to push him to be great. He knows he's not NBA-ready, but hopes he has NBA potential.
Would Moses want to coach himself?
"The Marshall Moses that I am now, I think I would," he said.
"I am still emotional. I can still get mad. But I am going to listen when Coach tells me to do something. Whatever it is, at all costs, I am going to do it.
"The Marshall Moses last year and the Marshall Moses that I have been (in the past), I wouldn't want to coach him. I would say he had talent, but he didn't have the attitude or work ethic to be successful."