This is an excerpt of Bossi's "starting five" column that can be read at this link

After appearing in the 2016 NCAA Tournament and returning most of their top players, things were looking up for Oregon State basketball. Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned this season as injuries and subpar play have led to a big step back during a 5-26 (1-17 in Pac 12 play) 2016-17 season.

On the bright side, the Beavers' best players are young and provided they are healthy again they should take a huge step forward next season. Another reason for optimism is that guard Ethan Thompson is on his way.

Over the past few weeks, Thompson has been electric while leading his Bishop Montgomery team to a championship in a CIF Southern Section featuring several big time players and teams. Thompson's current ranking of No. 49 nationally is already impressive, but he's made a convincing argument for a nice bump in the final rankings and has all the tools to make a significant impact the moment he steps on campus. He can shoot, he can play all over the backcourt, he's athletic and most importantly he's shown the ability to be at his very best when his team most needs him to be.

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