Zachary Lyon:
Future150 Regional Analyst. Covering high and middle school basketball: NC, SC & VA
Corvallis, OR (Future150) -- The Big Dance is finally here and while everyone would like to cut down the nets, there can only be one champion. That being said, there is always the chance that the next season could be better than the last. With that in mind, Future150 would like to introduce "The Next Step", a segment dedicated to breaking down each program's recruiting class as they bow out of the tournament; because there's always next season.
Oregon State made the Big Dance for the first time in well over ten years, unfortunately they ran into a brick wall in the first round as they dropped a tight game to VCU. Even though the Beavers lose stud Gary Payton II, they bring in a big time prospect in JaQuori McLaughlin.
McLaughlin is a combo guard from Peninsula (WA) that has a tremendous feel for the game. He lets the game come to him so smoothly, and can make plays for himself and his teammates with ease.
The second and final piece of this recruiting class comes in the form of PF Ben Kone of Richmond, California. Kone has solid move around the basket, including a silky smooth baby hookshot. His rebounding abilities are very solid as well. His interior defense will need to be his main focus going forward.
Oregon State may regress a bit after losing a superstar like Payton, but the Beavers program as a whole are certainly on the upswing.
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