Oregon State Unveils Highly Touted 2015 Men’s Basketball Recruiting Class

Oct 23, 2014; San Francisco, CA, USA; Oregon State junior guard Langston Morris-Walker and head coach Wayne Tinkle laugh during the Pac-12 conference men’s basketball media day at Pac-12 Networks. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports.

The Oregon State Men’s Basketball campaign of 2014-15 began with a thud, falling to Division II Western Oregon in an exhibition game at home, 57-47.

In the face of an embarrassing in-state, out of division defeat, Head Coach Wayne Tinkle is still managing to build momentum and support throughout Beaver Nation. While much works remains to be undertaken on the court, Tinkle may have already made the most important strides of his first year at Oregon State by landing a number of prized recruits talented enough to garner a national ranking for the incoming class of future Beavers.

According to 247sports.com, Oregon State ranks below only Arizona and Washington in the Pac-12, coming in at 14th nationally. Truly uncharted territory for Beaver fans.

For purple mountains majesty, across the fruited plain, from sea to shining sea, Oregon State’s initial signings include players from Florida, Montana, California, and even a Beaver State recruit from Troutdale, Ore.

Headlining the class is Torrance, Calif. product Stephen Thompson Jr. The 6’3 guard from Bishop Montgomery High was rated as a 4-star recruit during his senior year. Ranked as the 21st best at his position nationally, Thompson has drawn comparisons to Steph Curry with knock-down shooting ability, a high basketball IQ, and an eye for the rim.

Derrick Bruce is a 6’3 guard from West Oaks Academy in Orlando, Fla. rated as a three-star prospect by the ESPNU scouting report. Bruce was highly touted as an underclassman, but nagging injuries beginning his junior year kept Bruce off the court. Another guard with range and speed, Bruce will add his own brand of dynamic, court-stretching offense to the mix in 2015.

From The Beaver State, Drew Eubanks is a 6’9 power foward hailing from Reynolds High School via Troutdale, Ore. The big man possess both the ability to play down low under the rim and has midrange shooting ability that will test the defensive capabilities of other Pac-12 big men. He’s quick and explosive under the hoop, and will compliment the aforementioned guards with his rebounding ability and offensive presence in the paint.

Finally, Coach Tinkle welcomes son Tres Tinkle to the Oregon State Program, a 6’6 small forward currently playing in Missoula, Mont. (Coach Tinkle was hired from University of Montana earlier this year). Tinkle is a complete basketball player with the ability to make an impact on both ends of the court. He was noted for his rebounding ability, basketball savvy, and vision to attack the rim at any time. Tinkle may end up being the catalyst that combines and accelerates the ability and success of this promising young group.

Oregon State takes on the Rice Owls Friday night in Gill Coliseum. While the prospects of next year are looking great, The Beavers have considerable work in front of them in the 2014-15 season.