What Steve Lutz needs to do for Oklahoma State basketball to contend again in Big 12

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Steve Lutz was named OSU’s new men’s basketball coach on Monday, and in the coming days he’ll hold an introductory press conference inside Gallagher-Iba Arena.

This is Lutz’s honeymoon phase.

OSU fans, from what I can tell, are supportive of the hire, and why wouldn’t they be? Lutz has been to the NCAA Tournament three times in his three years as head coach. He was 2 for 2 at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and 1 for 1 at Western Kentucky.

I assume Lutz will make a good first impression when introduced, but then the real work begins.

Presidents are judged by their first 100 days in office. Basketball coaches are judged by what they do in March.

“Know that my staff and I will work diligently to recruit and retain hard working kids who will represent you well, on and off the court, and consistently compete for Big 12 championships,” Lutz said in a press release announcing his hiring.

Canned as it might be, that’s a big statement.

The Cowboys haven’t consistently competed for Big 12 championships since the Eddie Sutton days more than two decades ago. And the already rugged Big 12 is about to get even tougher with Arizona entering the fray.

Getting OSU back to Big 12 title contention is easier said than done. Here are five things Lutz needs to do to win at OSU:

Mussatto: Why new Oklahoma State basketball coach Steve Lutz checks the right boxes

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 22: Head coach Steve Lutz of the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers reacts against the Marquette Golden Eagles during the first half in the first round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 22, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776103536 ORIG FILE ID: 2104759938

1. Recruit, recruit, recruit. Portal, portal portal.

Are we at the point in college sports where we can use “portal” as a verb? Getting players out of the portal is a necessary action. For Lutz and every other college coach. That’s what makes it tough.

OSU isn’t going to…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/steve-lutz-needs-oklahoma-state-212704339.html

Author : The Oklahoman

Publish date : 2024-04-02 21:27:04

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