‘The Real Deal’: NCAA Analyst Luke Hancock Lauds Oklahoma State Cowboys’ Cade Cunningham

The Oklahoma State Cowboys were one win away from completing their Cinderella run in the Big 12 Conference tournament. Led by freshman star Cade Cunningham, the Cowboys have exceeded a lot of expectations already. And Cunningham has been at the heart of their success.

The 19-year-old came in with a lot of expectations after being the best high school player in the country. He has successfully translated that hype and is one of the best players in college basketball. His performances have left NCAA analyst Luke Hancock impressed.

“Cade Cunningham is the real deal,” Hancock said during his recent appearance on ESPN. “A surefire NBA player, the first pick in the Draft. He’s long, he’s athletic, he shoots it incredibly well and when it’s time to takeover games, this dude has the absolute it factor.”

Despite just being a freshman, Cunningham has stepped up as a leader for the Cowboys. No one would have expected the Cowboys to reach the Big 12 tournament Finals, but Cunningham made it possible. He has also developed a clutch gene and has hit a few big shots for the Cowboys.

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Luke Hancock in awe of Cade Cunningham and his smooth jump shot

When he arrived at Oklahoma State, the one concern about Cunningham’s game was his shooting. He was a below-average shooter in high school, and that was a huge hole in his game.

But he has worked a lot on his jump shot this season, and his numbers speak for him. He is averaging 41% from three while shooting 5.4 attempts per game from outside.

Hancock expressed his delight over Cade’s shooting and also his ability to shoot over shorter defenders while comparing his jump shot to Jesus Shuttlesworth, played by Hall of Famer Ray Allen in the movie He Got Game.

“I think it’s rare to see guys at his size have that kind of touch. And (he) can elevate over smaller defenders, it’s like they’re not even there. He just raises up with that silky Jesus Shuttlesworth type jumper and it’s nothing but net.”

The next challenge for Cunningham before he leaves for the NBA will be to help the Cowboys finish well in the NCAA tournament. They have had upsets all season, and fans will be hoping to see more of those spearheaded by the 19-year-old wonderkid himself.

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