Former Brandon High standout has propelled Oklahoma State into this weekend’s Final Four — and that’s no dream.
By JOEY JOHNSTON
The Tampa Tribune
(c) Tampa Bay Times. Originally published April 3, 2004.
SAN ANTONIO — Joey Graham dreams about flying.
Maybe it’s the freedom. Maybe it’s the power. One day, he wants a pilot’s license. Then he can soar to the sky and view the world from above.
You know what?
It already has happened.
He’s flying. He’s soaring. A few months back, in case you missed it, Joey Graham was cleared for liftoff at Oklahoma State. He has climbed higher and higher. There he was Friday, on the Alamodome floor, a genuine Final Four attraction. In 1999, as a Brandon High School junior, he watched the open workouts at Tropicana Field. That court seemed far away, almost out of reach.
This isn’t a fantasy.
It’s an evolution.
College prospect.
Promising transfer from UCF.
Bruising practice competitor.
The older twin.
Complementary player.
Power forward in a guard’s body.
Surprising scorer.
And then …
Getting 21 points and 10 rebounds against Texas. Dropping 36 points on Nebraska. Being named Big 12 Conference newcomer of the year. Hitting 11 of 13 field-goal attempts against Iowa State, tying a Big 12 Tournament record.
The floating, screaming thunder-dunk against Memphis — the Graham Slam — when everyone ran for cover, when he personally outscored Memphis (20-19) in the first half. The opening flurry against Saint Joseph’s, when he seemingly grabbed every rebound.
The Cowboys, who face Georgia Tech in tonight’s national semifinals, arrived with balance, grit and leadership. But they wouldn’t be contending for a national championship without Joey Graham.
NBA Questions Have Started
His story has taken wing.
“Joey has the mentality to take over a game,” said Graham’s fraternal twin brother, Stevie, a backcourt reserve at Oklahoma State who is mostly in the background. Maybe he’ll get a similar opportunity next season.
For now, it’s Joey’s show.
“I’m not sure I could say he’d be doing this well at this time,” Stevie said. “But then again, I’ve seen this my whole life. Nothing he does really surprises me. He always had the potential to just take over.”
Now he has the belief.
So does everyone else.
Joey Graham settled his 6-foot-7, 217-pound frame into a chair inside the Oklahoma State locker room. He was surrounded by notepads and microphones.
One person asked if Graham could say — with absolute certainty — that he’s returning for his senior season.
“I’m coming back,” he said with a bemused expression. “I want the college experience. But to tell you the truth, I hadn’t given that much thought.”
Others are beginning to think along those lines, though. Of course, Graham will come back. He wouldn’t abandon a senior season when Stevie likely returns to the starting lineup, when their partnership can again flourish.
But it’s an interesting thought. And it underscores a growing suspicion: Joey Graham has moved onto the short list of college basketball’s best players.
Focused And Ready
There was Oklahoma State coach Eddie Sutton, saying Graham made more progress than any of his players this season.
There was Georgia Tech coach Paul Hewitt, calling Graham a matchup nightmare and “as versatile an offensive player as there is left in the tournament.”
Back in the locker room, there was Graham, trying to make sense of it all.
“This hasn’t sunk in just yet, that we’re actually here and all,” he said. “But I don’t want to think about it too much. You can’t let your mind drift.”
In fact, Sutton won’t allow it.
The Cowboys are in virtual lockdown. The coach took away everyone’s cell phone. Family and friends can visit for an hour — no more. No trips to San Antonio’s River Walk.
Oklahoma State fans are in celebration mode. But Oklahoma State players are insulated.
It suits Graham well. Everyone else can talk. He’s all about business. Somewhat introverted, somewhat poker-faced, he’s asserting himself. He’s soaring higher and higher.
He still dreams about flying. At the Final Four, his dream is real.
