2008 Oregon State Beavers Basketball Preview

In 2007-2008, the Oregon State Beavers (6-25 overall, 0-18 Pac-10) finished dead last in the Pac-10 and for the fourth straight year saw no post-season action. In the past three seasons, the Beavers have won a total of eight conference contests. To turn the program around, OSU hired Craig Robinson. Although Robinson, who did a good job at Brown, sees the Beavers as a great opportunity, it will also be a long road to success.

Utah transfer Daniel Deane, a power forward, could play some important minutes as long as he stays out of academic and personal trouble. Forward Omari Johnson (21.5 MPG, 7.1 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 0.4 APG, 39.3 FG%, 66.7 FT%), a sophomore, and forward/center Roeland Schaftenaar (19.2 MPG, 4.6 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 0.6 APG, 43.7 FG%, 61.1 FT%) and forward/center Calvin Hampton (12.7 MPG, 3.3 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 0.1 APG, 41.2 FG%, 85.0 FT%), both juniors, will all see frontcourt action. Johnson and Schaftenaar can hit from outside too. There is no one on the team who can rebound.

There’s certainly experience at the guard spots. However, every one is wanting for consistency. Two sophomores have shown promise. Calvin Haynes (21.5 MPG, 7.3 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 0.4 APG, 39.3 FG%, 66.7 FT%) can play defense but has a lot of trouble shooting. Lathen Wallace (14.5 MPG, 7.5 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 0.3 APG, 37.1 FG%, 74.5 FT%) is good for points but struggles on “D.” Brothers Josh Tarver (24.4 MPG, 6.7 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 2.4 APG, 32.3 FG%, 71.9 FT%) and Seth Tarver (28.4 MPG, 9.6 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 1.7 APG, 39.2 FG%, 61.1 FT%), both juniors, have shown potential at times. Tarver plays point, while brother Seth is a swingman. Although good at distributing the ball, both need to hone their shooting skills.

Robinson has a whole lot of work to do. First and foremost, he has to make Oregon State a school that good players want to attend. That means showing improvement and that means winning or at least creating the potential to win. There will be a whole lot of growing pains over the next few years. Right now, the talent level is questionable. One thing in Robinson’s favor is the fact that various Pac-10 teams have lost key players. A few conference wins would help.