STILLWATER — Among the freshman during practice, Isaac Likekele stands out.
His boisterous voice echoes throughout Gallagher-Iba Arena during drills. He is always shouting defensive commands and expressing vivid emotion. A freshman from Mansfield, Texas, Likekele isn't afraid of the leadership role on Oklahoma State's basketball team.
“He's the one guy who embraces that,” coach Mike Boynton said. “It's hard a lot of times for young guys to want that because they don't understand that it's important, but he's a winner.”
The pre-Europe-trip practices have been a learning curve for every Cowboy freshman, yet Likekele has embraced the new setting and role while learning what it takes to become a college basketball player.