The 2020-21 Oklahoma State Cowboys may not be able to participate in postseason basketball as a result of NCAA infractions, but they will at least still be getting their five-star recruit next season. Cade Cunningham, a potential No. 1 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, announced Monday that he will stick to his commitment and take his talents to Stillwater in the fall.
Cunningham made the announcement on Instagram, with the caption “Unswerving in allegiance.”
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Two weeks ago, the NCAA Committee on Infractions banned Oklahoma State from postseason basketball next season due to recruiting violations — a ruling the school is passionately contesting.
The ruling initially seemed to put Cunningham's commitment on shaky ground, and OSU's recruiting class and returning roster as a whole. Cunningham could have been the latest top prospect to forego the traditional college experience for the NBA's G League, or he could play overseas — an increasingly popular route for blue-chippers as they prepare for the NBA Draft.
According to ESPN's Jeff Goodman, Cunningham never seriously considered the G League option. Other high-profile programs, including Kentucky and North Carolina, made a late push for Cunningham's services since the NCAA's ruling.
With Cunningham officially coming to Stillwater, most of the Cowboys' other recruits have also reaffirmed their commitments to Oklahoma State.
ESPN's Jonathan Givony currently has Cunningham in the top spot on his 2021 draft board, ahead of Jalen Green, who did opt to play for the new G League Select Team next year. Givony considerings both Cunningham and Green potential franchise players who would have been top picks in the upcoming 2020 NBA Draft.
Cunningham, a 6-foot-7 point guard, led Montverde Academy in Florida to a 25-0 record this past season. He averaged 13.9 points and 6.4 assists and was named the Naismith Prep Player of the Year.
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