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Sophomore forward Calvin Hampton, who avaraged 6.1 minutes and 1.3 points per game, commented that the team has been practicing the "Princeton offense" until it becomes second nature for the team, under direction of newly-appointed coach Craig Robinson

Men's hoops gets identity change

Newly-appointed coach Craig Robinson brings in new offense, new outlook on how to compete

By: Terry Horstman

Posted: 4/17/08

On the short list of candidates for the men's basketball head coaching position, Brown University's Craig Robinson was not the most recognizable of the bunch.

However, there are many reasons to believe that the former Ivy League coach of the year can win in Corvallis, and more importantly, win fast.

"He won't accept mediocrity, much less failure," said Scott Friske, a junior forward at Brown University. "He has a way of getting his players to believe that they can beat anyone no matter what name they have on their jersey. I think everyone associated with Oregon State basketball will notice a difference right away."

Difference is something this program has been craving for a long time, as Robinson now claims the title of sixth head coach in the past 20 years. Robinson seems to already have some plans in motion - plans that should lead to a lot more excitement in Gill Coliseum next winter.

"We're already learning the Princeton offense," Oregon State sophomore forward Calvin Hampton said. "Learning it to the point until it comes instant. We're going to run lots and lots of motion until we just run other teams into the ground."

The Princeton offense was the trademark for Robinson's success at Brown, leading the Bears to their second best season in school history and a post-season birth in the College Basketball Invitational. It's also good news for Beaver fans that Brown was in a similar position before they hired Craig Robinson as head coach - at the bottom of their league.

"He's definitely all about winning - not only in basketball, but in life," Hampton said. "When you win off the court it transpires onto the court which should become something great that we haven't seen here in awhile."

So regardless of whether you wanted him or not, it's hard to say that Coach Robinson hasn't already had a very positive impact on the Beaver basketball community in the very short time since being introduced on April 7th. Players are excited again and that team morale seems to be creeping up a bit as well.

"The current morale is very high and we are working the hardest I think I've ever seen since I've been here," said Beaver freshman point guard Rickey Claitt. "Last year was a learning year for everyone; this upcoming season will be the year we put two and two together and win."

There's no doubt that there's a new attitude in the program, but there will be much anticipation to see how much difference that new attitude will make for a school coming off its worst season in the history of the program. We all know Robinson isn't likely to take kindly to losing, but it won't be easy as the Beavers will face some of the most respectable names in college basketball on the fronts of their opponents' jerseys next season.

Even in one of the toughest conferences in the country, Robinson has made it clear that he will not just be another name on a long list of coaches who "tried" to make a difference for Oregon State basketball.

Terry Horstman, sports writer

sports@dailybarometer.com