Skip to content

Oklahoma State HC: We'll 'look at all the options' with Cunningham

Michael Reaves / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Oklahoma State head coach Mike Boynton said he supports five-star commit Cade Cunningham in whatever he decides to do.

The NCAA banned the Cowboys on Friday from competing in the 2020-21 postseason.

"I didn't spend four years recruiting (Cade) to now abandoning what's important for him," Boynton told reporters Friday, according to Carson Cunningham of KOCO-TV. "We're going to have conversations and look at all the options: G League, overseas, another university, Oklahoma State ... I'm going to support it 100%."

Cunningham previously turned down an offer from the G League that was at least equal to what top-ranked recruit Jalen Green received, a source told Stadium's Jeff Goodman.

In recent years, more top American high school prospects have joined the Australian National Basketball League through its "Next Stars" program. This past season, LaMelo Ball and RJ Hampton earned approximately $500,000 during their time in the league, according to ESPN's Jonathan Givony.

Cunningham may be immediately eligible to play if he chooses to transfer, given the unique circumstances of his departure. Florida, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Washington were among the schools pursuing him prior to his commitment to Oklahoma State.

"Usually kids in the affected program are allowed to transfer when given those types of penalties without having to sit out," a source told Zagsblog's Adam Zagoria.

Cunningham was the second-ranked recruit on the ESPN 100 for 2020 and is projected to be one of the top picks in next year's NBA draft. He was a McDonald's All-American and the recipient of the Naismith Prep Player of the Year Award, which is given annually to the top male and female high school basketball players.

He averaged 11.7 points, 5.7 assists, and 4.9 rebounds last summer at the FIBA U-19 World Cup, leading Team USA to the gold medal.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox