When Cade Cunningham went No. 1 overall in the 2021 NBA Draft to the Detroit Pistons, he was put on a pedestal for Oklahoma State basketball.
The only first overall pick in school history. The only top-three selection since 1949. The third top-10 player since 1950. He became the Cowboys' guy in the NBA.
Remember his draft party at Eskimo Joe's? It seemed like a moment where finally, after fans were hunkered away and didn't get to celebrate Cunningham's season at OSU because of COVID-19, they could all rejoice in their favorite pro.
Yet, mostly because of things Cunningham can't control, he hasn't quite burst onto the NBA scene as quickly as some hoped.