Beavers Try To Avoid Future Shock Youthful Oregon State Tries To Win Now Without Paying Later

Eddie Payne is in his second season as men’s basketball coach at Oregon State University, but a glance at his roster indicates he doubles as camp counselor.

Road trip or field trip? Have all the permission slips been signed? Clearasil, anyone?

With three and sometimes four freshmen in the Beavers’ starting lineup, Payne’s dilemma consists of preparing for the future without giving up on today.

It’s a minute-to-minute endeavor, made easier only by the promise of a top-notch recruiting class that includes nationally acclaimed prospect Corey Benjamin.

“The qualities that the kids possess in terms of their enthusiasm and some of the things that result from their youth - the bravado and the can-do attitude that they have - has enabled us to compete, at times, on a pretty high level with some good teams,” Payne said this week. “Those same qualities, at times, prevent us from being successful in the same games.”

Take Thursday night, for example, when the Beavers built a 16-point lead at Washington, only to lose their 13th consecutive road game, 77-72.

Oregon State (4-7, 0-2 Pac-10) was brilliant at times, especially during a 20-1 run, and was previously competitive in a close loss to Texas, a Top 25 team. Missed free throws, typical of youth, were costly in both games.

“It’s a process where we as a staff have to be patient, but not tolerant (of mistakes),” Payne said.

Freshman point guard Carson Cunningham, a 6-footer from Indiana, is one reason the Beavers have been able to match last season’s win total with 16 games yet to play.

Cunningham can score with either hand, and is often most effective when he borders on the reckless. Against Washington, he led the Beavers with 20 points, five assists and four steals, but also committed six turnovers.

“He’s not only trying to feel his own way, but he’s responsible for leading these other guys, and it’s just a very difficult transition for him,” Payne said.

Benjamin has endured a trying transition. He missed the start of the season while the NCAA mulled over his eligibility, called into question while Benjamin was struggling to pass his entrance exams.

J.B. Bickerstaff, another prominent freshman, is one of the Beavers’ best defenders. He may end up matching up against WSU guard Isaac Fontaine, who scored 28 points in Thursday night’s victory over 17th-ranked Oregon.

“Because J.B. has guarded the best players (on opposing teams), he’s really had to do some things physically that are difficult for him, primarily playing off screens,” Payne said. “I think two things young players struggle with defensively are guarding the basketball and defending screens - physical screens, more of them, more types of screens.”

Payne can take comfort, however, in the knowledge that no screen can obscure what appears to be better days ahead.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color Photo