We asked a collection of names familiar to Beaver Nation — most of them former players — for their opinion of this year’s Oregon State team, which faces Loyola of Chicago at 11:40 a.m. PDT in a Sweet Sixteen showdown of underdogs. Their responses, in alphabetical order:

 

JIMMY ANDERSON (player from 1957-59, assistant coach from 1961-90, head coach from 1990-95):

“I haven’t missed a practice all year, so I have a pretty good handle on why the season has gone like it has. They brought in five new players and (coach Wayne Tinkle’s) defensive system is a little complicated. You have to give help and cut off lanes at different times. It’s not heads-up one-on-one. They were having a hard time deciphering where they were supposed to be on defense. Offense is that way a little bit, too. It’s taken this long for them to get in sync. They’re functioning as a five-player team now, taking the shots they’re supposed to and carrying out their responsibilities on the floor according to how the coach diagrammed it.

“I like (Ethan) Thompson when he doesn’t try to personally dominate the game. He has made some drastic errors on some of his decisions in games, but he’s a competitor and he keeps working and working and all of a sudden he can pull a game out, like he did against Oklahoma State. I like Jarod Lucas. He doesn’t care if he has missed three shots; if he’s open, he’ll shoot the fourth, the fifth and the sixth. (Maurice) Calloo has given them a lot in key stretches, too. I’m a little disappointed in Zach Reichle. He plays hard defense and he doesn’t turn the ball over, but he’s psyched out on his shooting. If he misses a shot, he may never shoot again. We need his shooting on the perimeter. He should be able to get us at least three 3’s every game. (Gianni) Hunt has done better lately, but much of the season he has overdribbled and tried to too much, which stops continuity of things in the offense. Two of their better players (Warith Alatishe and Rodrique Andela) haven’t really gotten untracked yet in the tournament. The Beavers need them to get going to keep on going.

“Wayne is a very good coach. He has stuck with his starting lineup but he gives everyone their chances. He wants to give confidence to all of his players. I think he’s going to have a better team next year. He has some good athletes on the bench — Julien Franklin, Isaiah Johnson, Tariq Silver — who could be a factor in the future. I’ve watched Silver in practice. He is a good defensive player and he can shoot the ball.

“I think they can go farther (this NCAA Tournament). They’re confident. They’re aggressive. They’re seasoned at this point. They’re not afraid of who or where they play. They play hard every game, they play pretty smart and they hit free throws like crazy. They make decisions — some of them, some them bad — but they’ve improved a lot. They’re going to be tough to beat.”

 

TERRY BAKER (player 1960-63):

“It’s been pretty amazing. I’m excited about them for the first time in a long time. It’s the most athletic Oregon State team I’ve seen — maybe ever. All of a sudden, Wayne Tinkle has gotten the right type of players.

They’ve picked up their defense, which in the past has been poor. They’re playing a better caliber of basketball, making one more pass to the open guys. It’s like they’ve learned how to play the game as it has to be played today. It’s a 3-point game now. They’ve gotten some 3-point shooters and they have the inside/ outside game going. It’s all clicking. Everybody has stepped up amazingly well the last nine or 10 games.

“It seems like the whole country thought the Pac-12 was a doormat. The league now has four in the Sweet Sixteen. I’m happy for the Ducks, really happy for Oregon State and happy for the entire Pac-12. We have Loyola on Saturday, so let’s not get ahead of ourselves. I remember playing Cincinnati (in the 1963 Final Four). We had our comeuppance. I’m still trying to forget that game.”

 

RAY BLUME (player 1978-81, NBA 1981-82)

“If I said anything other than I’m surprised at how far they’ve come, I’d be lying. I’m happily surprised they’ve put it together the last part of the season. They’re playing together. They have a lot of trust in each other. The coaching staff is doing a wonderful job. I like their defense. They’re helping each other out, stepping into gaps. Ethan Thompson is doing a great job being a leader out there. I like Jarod Lucas. I saw him last year. He’s a shooter. He likes to get the ball up. He has a great touch. Roman Silva is playing great right now. I like Gianni Hunt’s game. He likes to push it. And Maurice Calloo is giving them a lot off the bench. They’re all playing well. Anybody Coach Tinkle puts into the game, they seem to know their role. That’s what I like most about this team.”

 

LESTER CONNER (player 1980-82, NBA 1982-95, NBA assistant coach for 12 years):

“They’re peaking at the right time. I like their aggressiveness on defense. It reminds me of how we played (with the “Orange Express” teams) — changing defenses from zone to man-to-man. A lot of teams are not used to playing against that. When you can change up something, it keeps them off-balance. They shoot the ball very well from the free-throw line. Against Oklahoma State, Maurice Calloo came in and made some big baskets, and Jarod Lucas made some hustle plays and a great ‘and-one.’ He set the tone. After Ethan Thompson went to the bench with his second foul early in the game, they extended their lead. That was great for their confidence. That was good for them to see they can do in a big game.

“Their confidence seems to be growing. Let’s keep it going. I’m a ‘Beaver believer’ all the way.”

 

LAMAR HURD (player 2002-06):

“I’ve been really excited for them. I was a part of the committee to bring in Wayne Tinkle. (Athletic director) Bob De Carolis asked me my thoughts on him. I said, ’The guy has a track record at Montana. We don’t know if he can recruit Pac-12 talent, but above all, the guy is about everything he says he is about. He is about Oregon State values. I have a really good feeling about this guy. I feel like he’s the right one to lead this program.’ I’m just glad after some really tough years and the start they had to this season, that a good guy like Wayne and his staff are being rewarded for all the hard work.

“I’m also happy for the players. I called the Wyoming and Portland games — their worst losses of the season. I felt so bad for the players. They felt embarrassed. They felt like they were letting down each other and the university. I hoped they could turn it around. I was hoping for maybe a .500 Pac-12 season. At least don’t finish 12th, right? I did not envision a Sweet Sixteen run.

“Jarod Lucas’ leash is a bit longer. I don’t know if that’s because he’s earned it or Coach Tinkle decided to grant it to him. I like his aggressiveness. The team as a whole seems to feeds off of that. They used to play more a more slow-down, passive game. Now they attack you at times, which I haven’t seen much of in last few years. Their attitude now seems to be, ‘We expected to be here, we’re better than our opponents and we’re going to act as such.’ That’s been a challenge for Oregon State, to have that mindset consistently, but it seems like something has switched for them.”

 

JIM JARVIS (player 1962-65, ABA 1967-69):

“What they’ve done is It’s remarkable to me. (Wayne Tinkle) has done a fantastic job with this kids. He’s used almost all of them at some point. He is using guys who have hardly played in critical moments, and they’ve played well — haven’t tried to do too much. It amazes me they have played well without Ethan Thompson in the lineup a couple of times (in the NCAA Tournament).

“At the beginning of the season, they played poor defense, didn’t rebound well and were not a cohesive unit. Part of that was so many new guys. They were all trying to be the guy in one way or another. Wayne has been very patient, not getting after people in ways he has before. The way he has coached has calmed those kids down and given them confidence and let them play the game. His confidence level has made the kids confident.

“Anything is possible with this group. They’re more athletic than they’ve ever been from one through 10. This tournament is wild, totally wild.”

 

STEVE JOHNSON (player 1976-81, NBA 1981-91)

“I’m really impressed with the job coach Tinkle has done. He has his guys firing on all cylinders. They have a good mixture of outside scoring and an inside presence. The effort is there. They’re playing good defense. Once you get that momentum, you have confidence on your side and everybody believes, this is when the magic happens. The magic is happening with them.

“It’s shocking how much they’re getting out of (Roman) Silva. If you can’t defend on the floor or knock down a 3, there’s not much of a role for big guys in today’s game. It’s impressive how they’re able to utilize the big guy. Of course, (using big men) is coach Tinkle’s forte. But I’m impressed with the guy. He has a left and a right hand. All I had was that right hand and that bootie bump.

“I liked Jarod Lucas’ shooting last year. I thought, ‘They need to give this guy the ball more.’ Ethan has stepped up his game and been more consistent. In the past, he would disappear for stretches of the game. Against Oklahoma State, though, he gets into early foul trouble, has to leave, and nobody missed a beat. That was great to see.”

 

RON JONES (player 1971-74):

“Talk about being overlooked. The media and other (Pac-12) coaches didn’t think much of them to start the season, but that didn’t keep the players from thinking they could do something. Eventually, they came around. I really appreciate Coach Tinkle for having the kind of patience he has shown, for not listening to all the criticism and showing faith in what they’re doing. It’s such a good story.

“They’re resilient. Even though they got beat a lot early in the season, they kept at it. It showed up against Oklahoma State, a tough, physical team. They went toe-to-toe with them and kept them from scoring. They turned it over against (the Cowboys’) press but responded every time they made a run. It makes people who follow Oregon State basketball feel good, that they’ve been able to hang in there and overcome the odds.”

 

PAUL MILLER (player 1972-76):

“It seemed like there was a big turnaround after the blowout loss to Arizona (98-64 on January 14). You can go in one of two directions after games like that, but those are good learning opportunities if you take it the right way. It seemed like these players realized they were not going to win unless they buckled down and started playing some defense. They’ve given up an average of barely 70 points a game since, and you can win a lot of games that way. That was (coach) Ralph Miller’s magic number. That’s a credit to these coaches. They got their attention and got it turned around. We’re closing out on 3-point shooters better than we were earlier in the year. As a former shooter, I can tell you that when you feel pressure, it makes a different in your shot. Those hands in your face make a big difference.

“I take my hat off to these coaches. They’ve come up with really good game plans for these kids. Coaches have to coach and players have to execute. The big guy (Roman Silva) has made a big difference. They’re going inside/out on offense, which is a good way to go to get those open 3-pointers.”

 

BUD OSSEY: (super fan, 101 years old, student at Oregon State from 1937-38 and 1940-43):

“The last month has been some of the most enjoyable basketball I’ve watched in 96 years watching Oregon State basketball (editor’s note: Bud saw his first OSC game in 1924 at age five). I had a long talk with Wayne the day before the Tennessee game and told him that. It’s just wonderful. I like the personalties on this team. They relate with each other. They have a great chemistry together. He relates with the boys and they relate with him.”

 

DOUG OXSEN (player 1972-75):

“It’s been fantastic to see. What a gritty, tough performance against Oklahoma State. The Cowboys were impressive with how quick and aggressive they were on their traps. Ethan Thompson showed me something when they were double-teaming him hard; he split the doubles and fought hard to keep the ball when they were all over him. That was a side of him I hadn’t seen before.

“Their commitment to and how hard they work on defense has been phenomenal. They’ve done a great job with help side and their recovery. You get the sense these guys are all working hard and really want it. Roman Silva has been playing at a high level. Jarod Lucas has the moxie and toughness and confidence to make big plays. Maurice Calloo is playing within the system and has made some major contributions.

“Wayne should be National Coach of the Year. At the beginning of the year, it was unbelievable how selfish the players were. Everybody wanted to do his own thing. Somehow he has gotten all those players to buy in and start playing as a team. Now they’re playing some of their best basketball when it matters the most.”

 

FRANK PETERS (player 1962-64):

“It’s better to be good on a great team than great on a good team. Everything is about when you peak. The catalyst that made our Final Four team (1963) great was Terry Baker came back after the football season, which put Jim Jarvis and me back in our proper roles. That allowed our team to mature at the right time.

“Some form of that is happening with this year’s team. Timing is everything in the tournament. I’ve grown to have modest expectations with my Beavers. They win three games against ranked teams in the Pac-12 tournament — pretty tough to do. I was really thrilled with that. When they won their first game (against Tennessee), I was doubly thrilled. To win the last game against Oklahoma State, I’m going, ‘Sweet sixteen? One of the best 16 teams in the country?’ That’s a big deal. Good for them.”

 

LOY PETERSEN (player 1965-68, NBA 1968-70):

“What’s going on with this team is absolutely a surprise to me — holy mackerel. I still think they’re one player short — they need another rebounder — but they’re playing hard. They’re tough. You can’t give up on them. Maybe they’re destined. Each player has decided to assume his role and they’re really playing tough defense. That’s what put this team together at just the right time.

 

MARK RADFORD (player 1977-81, NBA 1981-83):

“I love ‘em. I haven’t always. They’re playing an exciting brand of basketball I didn’t see for too long. I don’t know what happened. They went from this boring, uneventful, noose tight-around-the-neck team to a free flowing, know their roles, enjoyable team to watch. I had stopped watching it because it was so ugly. I wanted to watch something enjoyable. What they were doing wasn’t working. Maybe it has helped that Tres Tinkle is no longer there. He got every shot. (Wayne Tinkle) was handcuffed by his kid to a certain degree. Now the ball is spread around more and more players are contributing.

“I’m happy with what I’m seeing. I think he slowed the tempo down way too much before. Now it seems like he has opened it up. They’re playing defense. To do that, you have to have guys who can switch and defend multiple positions. Ethan Thompson was a non-factor in so many games where he didn’t even sniff a basket. I saw him fail more often than succeed. But the beauty of it is, in the NCAA Tournament — and especially against Oklahoma State — he stepped it up and showed his leadership. He made all those free throws down the stretch. I’ve been in that situation he’s been in; it’s not as easy as he made it look. He rose to the occasion and showed his colors. Good for him.

“I give credit to the coach. He’s been rigid and overbearing during games before. He was out there on the floor like a sixth player. That’s not the way to be in today’s game. Once the game starts, let the players play. Your work is done. Your job is at practice. To his credit, he has changed. On the most high-pressured stage there is, when his guys made a ton of mistakes, he was calm, which had a calming effect on them. Good for him. Good for his players. I’m happy. I’m a Beaver believer.”

 

CHARLIE SITTON (player 1980-84, NBA 1984-85):

“They’ve grown up a lot and come a long way. It’s impressive the run they’re on. They all seem to understand their roles and have bought into what Wayne is trying to do. They’ve become a good defensive team. For the first time since Wayne took over, they know how to defend the high pick-and-roll; they’ve done a great job on that since the Pac-12 Tournament. They seem to stick to his system on the offense. They’re not forcing things like they used to. Ethan Thompson has stepped up to be the leader we thought he could be. He willed them to win against Oklahoma State.

“They’re all helping each other on defense and rotating. Look how much Roman Silva has improved since the first of the year. Defenses are double-teaming him, for Christ’s sake. Some of it is they’ve gotten a lot tougher mentally. Jarod Lucas is scrappy and not afraid. He has brought a confidence to that group we haven’t had in years. They’re playing old-school inside/out basketball. Before, they were running the weave outside and you’d look up and they had seven seconds to shoot. Now they’re not forcing it. They’re getting good shots off earlier in the shot clock.

“I’m happy for Wayne. He’s such a good guy. It’s nice to see him get some recognition. Those kids have worked hard. It was a tough year with COVID and all that. I’m happy to see them have this kind of success.”

Readers: what are your thoughts? I would love to hear them in the comments below.

Be sure to sign up for my emails.