Boynton to head up Cowboy hoops

In a surprisingly fast end to their basketball coaching search, Oklahoma State announced that current assistant Mike Boynton will replace his former boss after Brad Underwood unexpectedly bolted for Illinois last Saturday.

Athletic director Mike Holder said in a release that Boynton values the same things he does in a coach.

"At the end of the day, we view coaching from the same perspective," Holder said. "All of the qualities that I value resonate in him. He said one thing that really stuck with me, that coaching is about leadership and family, and I agree with that wholeheartedly. I know I'm proud to have him as the leader of our basketball program, and think once people get to know him they'll feel the same way."

Boynton has a 12-year history as a Division I coach, though he lacks head coaching experience. He's getting the opportunity to show he can do the job in Stillwater.

"Oklahoma State is one of the premier basketball programs in the country," Boynton said. "To have this opportunity given to me by coach Holder and the OSU administration is something I could have only dreamed of. I'm very thankful and grateful to the players here, to the guys that I have played and worked with throughout my life, and to the Oklahoma State family for welcoming me and my family over the last year."

Reaction to the hire on the OSI message boards and on social media has been mixed. For those who supported former Cowboy Doug Gottlieb's candidacy for the job are forced to ponder why he was passed over for another who didn't have head coaching experience. The counter to that is naturally that Boynton has considerably more overall coaching experience.

Contract details have not yet been released. Boynton will be formally introduced to the media and fanbase on Monday afternoon. Details on that will be released soon.