MKL | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- Oklahoma State basketball coach Travis Ford talked about his newest signing class for the first time Thursday and said two signees, Markel Brown and Brian Williams, will battle for Mr. Basketball honors in Louisiana.
Brown is a 6-foot-3 guard who averaged 28.5 points last season at Peabody Magnet School in Alexandria, La. Williams is a 6-5 guard who averaged 25.9 points at Glen Oaks High School in Baton Rouge. Both are ranked among the nation's top 26 shooting guards by Scout.com.
The Cowboys also signed 6-8 forward Michael Cobbins, who averaged 18.3 points and 10.5 points at Palo Duro High School in Amarillo, Texas; and 6-7 small forward J.P. Olukemi, who averaged 14.9 points at Vincennes College.
Ford said Brown was an under-the-radar player whom assistant coach Butch Pierre heard about. The coaches went to see Brown play and, five minutes into a game, Ford said, "That's our guy."
Ford categorized Brown as a "steal" who will be highly ranked by recruiting services at season's end. Ford praised Brown's versatility and athleticism. "This guy is like a grasshopper," the coach said.
Williams plays like Obi Muonelo, but is more athletic, according to Ford. "Brian Williams can jump over the rim," the coach said.
Cobbins tore tendons during a summer camp, but has been cleared for competition. He is ranked as the nation's 38th-best prospect by Rivals.com. Ford said Cobbins could have gained a top
20 ranking if he had stayed healthy.
"We don't have anybody really like him, as skilled as he is at his size," Ford said.
Ford said Olukemi is capable of replacing James Anderson, who is expected to turn pro after this season. Ford said Olukemi doesn't shoot as well as Anderson, but is bigger and stronger.
"If you had to build a basketball body, J.P. Olukemi, that's who you would build," Ford said.
Olukemi is sitting out this season. Olukemi graduates in December and will have three seasons of eligibility at OSU.
Jimmie Tramel 581-8389 jimmie.tramel@tulsaworld.com
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