JimBob
03-07-2009, 09:24 AM
Sizzling Pokes meet shaky Sooners
Eaton, OSU on upswing
By JIMMIE TRAMEL World Sports Writer
Published: 3/7/2009 2:19 AM
Last Modified: 3/7/2009 2:52 AM
Has any player in Oklahoma State's basketball history been criticized more than Byron Eaton?
Once the No. 1 point guard recruit in the country, Eaton aggravated OSU fans because he struggled to keep his weight in check and because he was turnover-prone.
But, in the twilight of his senior season, Eaton is getting the hugs and kisses treatment. Fans chanted "Byron Eaton" in the final seconds of a Tuesday victory over Kansas State that made the Cowboys hopeful of securing their first NCAA Tournament trip since 2005.
Want to know what could make Cowboy fans love Eaton even more? A Bedlam victory Saturday in the final game of the regular season. Beating Oklahoma on the road would leave no doubt about OSU's NCAA Tournament credentials.
Though myriad factors resulted in OSU failing to reach NCAA Tournaments in Eaton's first three seasons, he drew blame because McDonald's All-Americans are supposed to do more than lead teams to first-round NIT defeats.
"It ain't always been his fault these past years," said Baylor's Curtis Jerrells earlier this season. "As a point guard, things tend to fall on your shoulders, unfortunately. But he did a great job this year leading his team."
Eaton said point guards are like quarterbacks. When you do well, fans are for you. When you fare poorly, fans might want you benched. For the most part, he feels like OSU fans have always been in his corner.
Eaton's approval rating has never been higher than now, thanks to a six-game winning streak and a 25-point performance on Senior Night. Eaton, who excels at getting to the rim and drawing fouls, was 15-of-15 from the free throw line against Kansas State. He has shot 10 or more free throws in 12 games this season.
Travis Ford said he thinks fans appreciate Eaton's talent and contributions.
"There are times they have been frustrated with him, no question," the coach said.
"But I think when it is all said and done, they showed (by chanting his name) what he has meant to this basketball program and what he has meant to them and for a lot of different reasons.
"Again, I think his personality probably has a lot to do with it. I think he is one guy they would say has given it up every single time he has been on the court. I don't think that has ever been an issue, that part of it."
Eaton was asked if reaching the NCAA Tournament would make his college career complete.
"It's not me, it's everybody," he said. "We are all doing better than what we were doing at the beginning of the season. I wouldn't say I did my job. My job is to try to get us back to a Final Four, try to win an NCAA championship. But if I get us to the tournament, that would be just another stamp on my resume — just to say he did have three bad years, but at the end his team did get to the tournament."
Eaton, OSU on upswing
By JIMMIE TRAMEL World Sports Writer
Published: 3/7/2009 2:19 AM
Last Modified: 3/7/2009 2:52 AM
Has any player in Oklahoma State's basketball history been criticized more than Byron Eaton?
Once the No. 1 point guard recruit in the country, Eaton aggravated OSU fans because he struggled to keep his weight in check and because he was turnover-prone.
But, in the twilight of his senior season, Eaton is getting the hugs and kisses treatment. Fans chanted "Byron Eaton" in the final seconds of a Tuesday victory over Kansas State that made the Cowboys hopeful of securing their first NCAA Tournament trip since 2005.
Want to know what could make Cowboy fans love Eaton even more? A Bedlam victory Saturday in the final game of the regular season. Beating Oklahoma on the road would leave no doubt about OSU's NCAA Tournament credentials.
Though myriad factors resulted in OSU failing to reach NCAA Tournaments in Eaton's first three seasons, he drew blame because McDonald's All-Americans are supposed to do more than lead teams to first-round NIT defeats.
"It ain't always been his fault these past years," said Baylor's Curtis Jerrells earlier this season. "As a point guard, things tend to fall on your shoulders, unfortunately. But he did a great job this year leading his team."
Eaton said point guards are like quarterbacks. When you do well, fans are for you. When you fare poorly, fans might want you benched. For the most part, he feels like OSU fans have always been in his corner.
Eaton's approval rating has never been higher than now, thanks to a six-game winning streak and a 25-point performance on Senior Night. Eaton, who excels at getting to the rim and drawing fouls, was 15-of-15 from the free throw line against Kansas State. He has shot 10 or more free throws in 12 games this season.
Travis Ford said he thinks fans appreciate Eaton's talent and contributions.
"There are times they have been frustrated with him, no question," the coach said.
"But I think when it is all said and done, they showed (by chanting his name) what he has meant to this basketball program and what he has meant to them and for a lot of different reasons.
"Again, I think his personality probably has a lot to do with it. I think he is one guy they would say has given it up every single time he has been on the court. I don't think that has ever been an issue, that part of it."
Eaton was asked if reaching the NCAA Tournament would make his college career complete.
"It's not me, it's everybody," he said. "We are all doing better than what we were doing at the beginning of the season. I wouldn't say I did my job. My job is to try to get us back to a Final Four, try to win an NCAA championship. But if I get us to the tournament, that would be just another stamp on my resume — just to say he did have three bad years, but at the end his team did get to the tournament."