OSU Basketball: Cowboy Transfer Brandon Garrison Drawing Interest from Oklahoma
A former Cowboy is drawing interest from an in-state rival.
Oklahoma State has not been hit too hard by the transfer portal this offseason, but one of its most significant losses is Brandon Garrison. As a freshman, he showed why he has pro potential and his abilities were seen by each team he played against, including Oklahoma.
OU coach Porter Moser and the Sooners have reportedly reached out to Garrison as they look to keep the former McDonald’s All-American in his home state. Although he struggled in both matchups against the Sooners this season, his impact in the Big 12 was clear.
Garrison finished the season with top-five marks in the conference in blocks and defensive rebound percentage. As a freshman, he did not wait long to show the Big 12 how impactful he could be.
In his first conference game against Baylor, Garrison had a breakout performance. He scored 20 points while shooting perfectly from the field and the free throw line. Although his first of three 20-point games highlighted his scoring ability, his dominance inside was eye-catching.
He finished the overtime loss against Baylor with eight rebounds and four blocks. That was one of eight games this season he finished with at least three blocks, with four matchups against Big 12 competition.
He ended the season with averages of 7.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks while shooting 57.2% from the floor. For an OU team that finished in the bottom half of the Big 12 in blocks and opponent field goal percentage, adding Garrison could provide a major boost to the Sooners as they head to the SEC.
Although it had been a rarity for many years, Garrison could join a few other former OSU athletes in making the move to Norman. Players such as Trace Ford and Kelly Maxwell have done so in recent years, but with the schools in different conferences beginning next season, the rivalry and any animosity toward those athletes could take a step back.
Still, losing Garrison is a big blow to the Cowboys as they look to rebuild behind a new coach. And despite being in different conferences soon, any players who move from Stillwater to Norman will always sting.
Want to join the discussion? Like Inside the Thunder on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest Thunder news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.
Ivan is a sports media student at Oklahoma State University. He has covered OSU athletics since 2022 and also covers the OKC Thunder for Inside The Thunder and Thunderous Intentions.