As the Oklahoma State Cowboys men's basketball team prepares to embark on a new era under first-year head coach Steve Lutz, they've found an unexpected ally in their former player and current Green Bay Phoenix head coach, Doug Gottlieb. Gottlieb's relentless pursuit of a matchup with his alma mater has resulted in an intriguing season opener that promises to stir up excitement and nostalgia within the Cowboy faithful.

Homecoming Homecoming: A Reunion of Cowboy Legends

Reuniting with a Familiar Face

When Lutz set out to assemble his inaugural non-conference schedule at Oklahoma State, he found himself repeatedly hearing from one name: Doug Gottlieb. The former Cowboy point guard, who played at the turn of the century, had recently been named the head coach of the Green Bay Phoenix. Eager to reconnect with his alma mater, Gottlieb persistently reached out to Lutz, determined to secure a spot on the Cowboys' schedule.

Lutz, recognizing the significance of the connection, ultimately decided to grant Gottlieb's request. The result is a season-opening matchup on November 4th, 2024, as the Cowboys welcome the Phoenix to Gallagher-Iba Arena. This homecoming event promises to be a celebration of Cowboy basketball's rich history and the enduring bonds that tie former players to their beloved program.

Embracing the Cowboy Code

In explaining his decision to schedule the game, Lutz emphasized the importance of taking care of one's own. As the head coach and CEO of the Oklahoma State basketball program, Lutz believes that building a great program requires nurturing the relationships with former players and supporting their endeavors.

Gottlieb's first head coaching opportunity at Green Bay presented an opportunity for Lutz to put this principle into practice. "If we're gonna buy a team, or if we're gonna give a team money to a university, it might as well be one of our own," Lutz stated. This sentiment aligns with the Cowboy code, which emphasizes the importance of supporting and uplifting fellow Cowboys, even in their professional pursuits.

A Chance to Rekindle the Flame

Beyond the personal connection, Lutz sees the Green Bay matchup as a chance to reignite interest and enthusiasm within the Cowboy fanbase. With expectations for the upcoming season relatively low, the coach believes that this homecoming event can serve as a catalyst to gather support and build momentum for the program.

Lutz is confident that if the game is a sellout, as Gottlieb has promised, the fans will be impressed by the product on the court and will be eager to return and support the team throughout the season. "The more we can gather interest in our basketball program and we can get people in the building, I truly believe they will like the product that's on the floor, and they will want to come back to see them again," Lutz said.

Embracing the Underdog Mentality

While the matchup against Green Bay may be seen as a relatively easy opener for the Cowboys, Lutz acknowledges that there is an element of risk involved. The Phoenix, despite their lower ranking in the KenPom ratings, pose a challenge, and Lutz is aware that the program's reputation is on the line.

However, the coach is embracing the underdog mentality, recognizing that this game is about more than just the final score. "It's a little bit risky," Lutz admitted. "But the program is bigger than one game. That's ultimately why I decided we'd go ahead and do this."

A New Era Dawns

The season opener against Green Bay marks the beginning of a new era for Cowboy basketball. With low expectations and a metaphorical bar set at finishing higher than last place in the Big 12, Lutz and his team have an opportunity to surprise and captivate the fanbase.

The game against the Phoenix is the first of five home contests in the Cowboys' non-conference schedule, providing an early chance for the team to establish a strong foundation and build momentum heading into the conference slate. As Lutz prepares his squad, he is confident that the Cowboy faithful will embrace the homecoming spirit and create a raucous atmosphere that will propel the team to success.