Cowboy Basketball Positional Previews: Point Guards

It’s not just the start of football season. It’s also the start of a new era in Cowboy hoops. This will be the first installment of the PFB positional previews for the 2016-2017 basketball season, focusing on the point guards.

The Cowboys should boast one of the premier young point guards not only in the Big 12 but in the nation in sophomore Jawun Evans, the reigning Big 12 freshman of the year. Backing him up are two newcomers in Brandon Averette and Thomas Dziagwa who will replace Tyree Griffin who transferred out of the program following Travis Ford’s departure. Let’s take an in-depth look at each of the point guards for the Cowboys in 2016-2017.

Sophomore Jawun Evans, 6’1, 185

There are many words to describe the sophomore floor general for Brad Underwood, but perhaps the most accurate description for Evans is explosive. As a freshman, Evans took home the Freshman of the Year in the Big 12, despite missing the final nine regular season games after a shoulder injury. The Dallas native lead Big 12 freshman in scoring at 12.9 PPG, assists (4.9/game), FG% (47.1%), 3-point FG% (47.5%), and free throw percentage (83.3%).

Kyle P. already pointed out that Evans’ freshman year compares favorably to the likes of D’Angelo Russell, Derrick Rose, John Wall, and others. His unique ability to blow by defenders, find the open man, and hit 3s at a dangerous rate make him both a perfect fit for Underwood’s motion spread offense and a terror to guard. Look for Evans to take another big step forward, cementing himself as one of the premier point guards in the country.

(Remember what he did to Oklahoma as a freshman?)

Freshman Brandon Averette, 5’11, 175

Underwood has been raving about the freshman from Richardson, Texas, who was a late signing after Underwood came to Stillwater. In fact, Underwood had previously been pursuing Averette to come to Stephen F. Austin. The undersized guard has been generating some buzz this summer in Stillwater with his quickness, ferocious defense, and advanced pull up game. Jeffrey Carroll said the following of the freshman point guard.

“He’s a quick guard,” added Jeffrey Carroll to the Tulsa World. “His hesitation is something I’ve never seen. He’s stop-go, stop-go. He has a nice mid-range, can shoot it, can defend. He’s a real scrappy defender. Kind of like Tyree (Griffin), but more like, he can shoot just a little bit better. He’s really good. He’s going to be a big key for us.”

Underwood has chipped in as well, raving about his shooting ability.

“He’s just an elite athlete with an extremely competitive nature,” Underwood told Go Pokes. “He’s legendary in the Richardson [Texas] area. We had a lot of Richardson area schools in our team camp [in June], and they all couldn’t wait to meet Brandon or talk to him because he’s legendary in that area for his workouts.

“As any freshman, there will be some adjustment, and I’m typically hard on point guards because of their responsibility but I don’t worry with this guy. He’s wanting to watch film all the time, he’s in the gym constantly, and he’s got a body that’s going to allow him to just be a pit bull someday on the defensive end.”

“He’s a guy that really since the end of his high school season has done nothing but spend time shooting 3s,” added Underwood. “He made 26 in a row the other day. He’s a guy that’s positioned because he competes so hard … I’m really excited about his future.” Big talk for a freshman!

Averette will have to be elite athletically and shooting the ball, because his size will be a challenge against larger guards in the Big 12. He’s another guy that should fit in nicely to the motion spread offense, with his ability to drive, dish, and pull up from midrange. Expect Averette to get plenty of minutes backing up Evans for the Cowboys in 2016.

Freshman Thomas Dziagwa, 6’4, 180

Dziagwa committed to the Cowboys back in September in 2015, and decided to honor his commitment after the coaching change from Travis Ford to Brad Underwood after the season. Dziagwa hails from Florida, and was mainly recruited by Ford/James Dickey originally.

Dziagwa offers the Cowboys a different look from the other point guards listed above. He lacks the quickness of Evans and Averette, but adds length and athleticism to the point guard spot, and can absolutely stroke it from three. Dziagwa’s size allows him to play at either guard spot, but can handle the ball adequately and will stretch the defense when on the floor.

His quickness and strength will need development, so the minutes may be limited for Dziagwa in 2016-2017- but the talent is there for the Florida native to develop into a fine guard for Underwood’s Cowboys in the coming years.