Summer Session Overview
Oklahoma State’s men’s basketball program is deep into its summer session as the 2026‑27 campaign looms on the horizon. Coach Steve Lutz took the opportunity to speak about the team’s trajectory, the strategic use of extra‑year eligibility and the influence of name‑image‑likeness funding on roster construction.
Central to the conversation is Parsa Fallah, who has filed an NCAA waiver seeking an additional year of eligibility after a torn ACL ended his previous season early. The waiver places him in the final scholarship slot, pending approval, and underscores the medical considerations that can extend a player’s collegiate timeline.
Kashie Natt, another offseason addition, has also pursued an extra year of eligibility. Last season he averaged 10.8 points and 8.2 rebounds, earning Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year honors, and his defensive prowess remains a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ interior.
The incoming freshman class brings Jalen Montonati, a four‑star forward who capped his high school career at Owasso as the all‑time leading scorer. Lutz emphasized the importance of retaining top Oklahoma talent, noting Montonati alongside Tyson Pogi as players the staff hopes to keep in‑state.
Roster Dynamics and Future Outlook
Beyond internal development, the Cowboys have leaned heavily on the transfer portal and NIL resources to reshape the squad. Recent commitments include transfers Luka Bogavac, Julius Halaifonua, Jordan Burks and Andrija Grbovic, each expected to contribute to a more competitive lineup.
Lutz acknowledged that the increased NIL support has granted the program greater flexibility to be aggressive yet selective in building a roster that can contend in the tough conference landscape.
The blend of veteran additions, experienced transfers and promising newcomers creates a dynamic environment where coaching staff can experiment with lineups early in the preseason. With eligibility extensions granted to Fallah and Natt, the team retains key contributors while integrating fresh talent, setting the stage for a potentially transformative season.
Looking Ahead
As the summer progresses, the Cowboys will continue to fine‑tune chemistry, evaluate the impact of new NIL deals and monitor the waiver decisions that could further shape the roster. The ultimate goal, according to Lutz, is to blend home‑grown talent with strategic acquisitions to restore the program’s national relevance.