When Eddie Sutton returned to his alma mater in 1990, he ushered in a new era of basketball glory.
Sutton and OSU basketball were a dream pairing. Sixteen seasons, six Sweet 16’s, two Final Fours and two conference championships. Game after game, a packed Gallagher-Iba Arena, both before and after the coliseum’s renovation, which doubled seating capacity.
In an era, 1990-2006, when football struggled to find its footing, basketball sustained the OSU athletic department. The ticket demand for Cowboy games helped OSU build its budget and the success helped OSU build its pride.
It’s scary to think of OSU without Sutton’s return.