Last year, the Oregon State Beavers had a season that everyone around the conference (and beyond) had to take notice of. Coming off of an awful season in which the Beavers went 0-18 in conference play, the team from Corvallis went 7-11 in Pac-10 play in the 2008-2009 season and finished 18-18 overall. What a turnaround. This was their best finish since Gary Payton’s senior season of 1989-90.

Coach Craig Robinson brought something the team desperately needed after two decades of bottom dwelling; a sense of pride and a sense of responsibility.

This all started at Pac-10 media day before the start of last season, when he told the media that his team would have morning workouts that began at 5:30am. When asked what would happen to players who didn’t show up, Robinson simply replied, “No one is making them come here. If they don’t want to be here, they don’t have to be.” This mentality and work ethic was engrained in his players since his arrival, and it has shown in their performance on the court.

Coach Craig Robinson addresses the media

He turned a team that had players regarded as “thugs” for challenging opposing players to fights in the parking lot after games to a respectable group of blue-collared hard working players.

The team had seven players average better than five PPG, showing that they have a team-first mindset in spreading the scoring around. Robinson’s Princeton style offense fit his players and it showed dramatically in the improvement of their record from just a year ago. His 1-3-1 zone defense baffled opposing teams and frustrated coaches trying to put together an offensive game plan against him.

Robinson has amassed a solid recruiting class for the upcoming season and there is no reason to believe under his leadership that this Beaver team won’t continue to improve. Returning players include leading scorer Calvin Hayes, center Roeland Schaftenaar and guards Seth and Josh Tarver. With a year of competitive basketball under their belts, these players should give the team some much needed experience when games are close at the end of the second half.

Looking forward to the 2009-2010 season:

Departures

Senior Guard Rickey Claitt (Eligibility) – After two years with the Beavers, Claitt has run out of eligibility. Claitt averaged 7.4 PPG and 2.5 assists last season, and had been a good contributor to the team since transferring from Mineral College in Park Hills, Mo.

Senior Guards Joey McConnell/Kyle Bjornstad (Eligibility) – Two depth guards that saw virtually no playing time in 2008-09

Arrivals

Freshman Guard Roberto Nelson, 6-3 180 pounds (Recruit) – Oregon State’s most prized recruit, receiving a 4-star prospect rating at both Rivals and Scout. One of the better combo-guards in the country, Nelson has a ton of upside as both a shooter and a playmaker. Chose Oregon State over other Pac-10 schools including USC, Arizona, and Washington.

Freshman Guard Jared Cunningham, 6-3 170 pounds (Recruit) – Another highly rated recruit out of San Leandro High of the bay area. Cunningham averaged 20.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.0 steals per game in his senior season.

Freshman Center Joe Burton, 6-7 270 pounds (Recruit) – A massive center who’s physical frame has drawn comparisons to LSU’s Glen Davis. He put up strong numbers in his senior campaign with West Valley High School in Hemet, CA, averaging 14.8 PPG and 16.4 RPG. He knows how to hit the glass, an area the Beavers could use improvement in.

Freshman Center Angus Brandt, 6-10 210 pounds (Recruit) – Native of Sydney, Australia. Brandt features a strong face-up game and can also shoot from mid-range fairly well, which should provide some good versatility down low.

Freshman Forward Rhys Murphy, 6-7 185 pounds (Recruit) – Another Sydney Australia native, Murphy has the size of a forward but can handle the ball like a guard. He has a good range jumper and a decent 3-ball as well. Coach Robinson will definitely be able to find a place for Murphy in his offense

My Take

Coach Craig Robinson has done an unbelievable job with this Beaver team, but they are still maturing and finding their identity. This is the first time in a long time the team will head into a season with actual expectations, and until they prove they can handle the pressure of being expected to win games, don’t count on them making the post season this year. They will continue to improve and could be a threat to win Pac-10 titles in the future under Robinson, but that is still likely beyond the 2009-2010 season.