Oklahoma State Basketball: Lindy Waters III will be a star
True freshman guard Lindy Waters III showed his tremendous potential in a career-high 13 point effort in 19 minutes against UAPB on Dec. 14.
He was one of the prized recruits of their 2016 recruiting class. Part of that class is former three-star recruit and freshman shooting guard Lindy Waters III.The Oklahoma State Cowboys look to have one of the most underrated freshman classes of any team in the country.
The Pokes have a record of 8-2 after a dominant 102-66 win over the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions on Dec. 14. Waters III, in particular, played at a higher level than he has previous to the UAPB game. He posted a career-high 13 points and three rebounds in only 19 minutes.
Head coach Brad Underwood has put more trust in Waters III in recent games. He has been getting more starts and quality minutes.
Moreover, Waters III hit what might have been the most clutch shot of the young season. In a 71-67 victory over the Tulsa Golden Hurricane on Dec. 10 was sealed by a clutch mid-range jump shot that Waters III hit to give the Pokes a 69-67 lead.
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Waters III has started to show his versatility of late. He is a quality defender averaging 2.2 steals per 40 minutes. Yet, the best part of his game is his creating ability on offense. He offers the ability to stretch out all the way to the three-point line, but he can also show surprising quickness off the dribble and a quick but strong drive to the rim. Waters III is shooting 46.6 percent from the floor and 33.3 percent from three. He is also fourth on the team in win shares at 0.7 and fifth on the team in points produced at 75.
Lindy Waters CLUTCH!!!!!
— OSU Cowboy Basketball (@OSUMBB) December 11, 2016
His jumper gives the Cowboys a 69-67 lead with 15.8 seconds left. #okstate
It is worth mentioning how impressive Waters III has looked when thrown into an enormous role with OK State almost immediately. He leads all freshman on the Cowboys in minutes played. Furthermore, considering the talent present at the shooting guard position on the OK State roster. the fact that Waters III is getting so much playing time means that he must be doing something right in practice.
Working on a story on #OKState hoops freshman Lindy Waters lll (@LindyWatersIII). He's known Brad Underwood longer than most Cowboys. pic.twitter.com/0IClf7QOuH
— Nate Feken (@TheGreat_Nate) November 2, 2016
Waters III might be facing his toughest test of the season against the Wichita State Shockers on Dec. 17. After scoring a career-high in points on Dec. 14, he faces possibly the toughest road game of the season.
Next: Oklahoma State handles UAPB 102-66
Expect Waters III to continue developing into one of the brightest young stars in the Big 12. Other OK State freshman like point guard Brandon Averette and forward Cameron McGriff give the Pokes a promising future under coach Underwood.