How Oklahoma Sooner 2023 Transfer Departures Turned Out

While rebuilding its roster is Oklahoma State’s goal, not every departure is a fatal blow.

Although OSU’s offseason has been full of hope, following a 12–20 season, it started with even more heartbreak. Following Mike Boynton’s dismissal, the team started losing players via the transfer site.

Among those who lost were Javon Small, Brandon Garrison, Quion Williams, and Eric Dailey Jr., four regular starters. Prior to losing heart over the players’ departures, it is prudent to consider OSU’s circumstances from the previous offseason. All of those players have committed to new schools for the upcoming campaign.

The Cowboys lost five players to transfers after being the first team eliminated from the NCAA Tournament in 2023. Even though the Cowboys lost players this season once more, there isn’t necessarily cause for alarm. This is how last season’s OSU 2023 transfer departures performed:

G, TCU’s Avery Anderon III:

Anderson moved south but remained in the Big 12 after spending four seasons as a player at Stillwater. The lone OSU transfer to face the Cowboys during the previous season was Anderson, who assisted TCU in making it to the NCAA Tournament.

While starting 17 games, he averaged 7.8 points, 3.3 assists, and 1.4 steals. He scored in double figures in 11 of the games, although he was never able to surpass 15 points.

Boone, F. Kalib, UNLV:

At UNLV during the previous season, Boone teamed up with his brother Keylan Boone. Boone played four seasons at OSU, despite his brother having transferred a year before.

In his final year in college, Boone averaged 11.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, and 1.1 steals. It was possibly his best season. Boone, who also had a 59% shooting percentage, was a vital member of UNLV’s NIT squad.

Ole Miss Moussa Cisse, C:

Having been back in the portal during the offseason, there have been whispers that Cisse, who played two seasons in Stillwater from 2021–2023, may return to OSU. Despite winning Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year at OSU, he was never able to settle into the SEC.

Cisse played 17.6 minutes per game, averaging 4.5 points and 4.6 rebounds—all career lows.

George Mason, F. Woody Newton:

For two seasons at OSU, Newton was a spot-up shooter who found it difficult to break through Boynton’s Stillwater rotation. Last year, he moved to George Mason, where he enjoyed his finest campaign.

Last season, Newton scored a career-high 13 points at Tennessee in addition to averaging 5.8 points and 3.9 rebounds.

F. Tyreek Smith, SMU:

Smith was a reliable force in the paint, especially on the glass, throughout his two seasons at OSU. He became a consistent starter for extended periods of time at SMU after playing some big man backup minutes at OSU.

Smith averaged 8.2 points and 5.2 rebounds per game while starting 13 games for the Mustangs the previous season.

Although OSU’s departures this season will probably provide better outcomes than transfers in 2023, it serves as a reminder that not every player’s departure will necessarily be a major setback.