Marcel Jones Returns from the NBA
Oregon State's Key to a Successful Men's Basketball Season 2007-08
Oregon State's senior forward basketball player, Marcel Jones, will return for the season after practicing with the NBA, making the Beavers a force in the PAC-10.
Marcel Jones Returns
In recent years, Oregon State University has not been known for its basketball team. Yet, with famous alumni like Gary Payton and A.C. Green, perhaps a return to leading the PAC-10 in basketball is plausible. One key component to its future success is the return of senior forward Marcel Jones. Jones spent the spring training and working out with the NBA. He has now withdrawn his name from NBA draft consideration, returning to Corvallis for the summer term. Jones was able to compete and perform daily workouts with other draft picks like Corey Brewer, Joakim Noah and Spencer Hawes. Yet, he withdrew his name for consideration, partly due to the fact that he paid for his time at the NBA with personal funds.
Last year, Marcel Jones was the leading scorer at OSU, and 8th in the PAC-10. He averaged 15.3 PPG, an increase from previous years. Each year he has played at Oregon State, his average has increased. It would be no surprise if he increased his average this season. He lights it up from the 3 point line or shoots consistently from mid range. Watch him this 2007-08 season as he is the only returning senior on the Oregon State basketball team.
Oregon State Men's Basketball Hopefuls
Other key players for the Oregon State team include junior transfer C.J. Giles, a forward from Kansas, and several guards, included the Tarver brothers, Seth and Josh. Josh Tarver had a successful year last season, starting all 32 games. He and his brother Seth, led their high school team to the state title. Last season, Oregon State finished next to last in the PAC-10 with a record of 11-21, 3-5 in conference. This season aims to be one of the school’s better men’s basketball years, although there is tough competition in the PAC-10 with schools like Stanford, Arizona and Oregon.
OSU Famous Basketball Alumni
Oregon State University is known for its famous basketball alumni. Gary Payton was the 1990 Player of the Year for Sports Illustrated. He became the second round NBA draft pick, going to the Seattle Supersonics, where he played for 12 years. Nicknamed “The Glove” he know plays for the Miami Heat. A.C. Green ranks in the top five players at OSU for career scoring, rebounding and free throws. Green went to the L.A. Lakers in 1985 as the teams third draft pick. Both Gary Payton and A.C. Green are members of the Oregon State University Sports Hall of Fame.
