More than an exhibition

By JIMMIE TRAMEL World Sports Writer - 11/7/2009


STILLWATER Oklahoma State is "only" playing an exhibition basketball opener. Nothing is at stake, right?

"We are looking at it like it's the Final Four on Saturday," Cowboy senior Obi Muonelo said. "We are dead serious."

OSU will christen the exhibition season with a 7 p.m. game against the University of Central Oklahoma at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Muonelo wants to win for many reasons, but chief among them is he doesn't want to forfeit bragging rights to guys who frequently cross his path. He and UCO players both call Edmond home.

"I play basketball with them all the time," Muonelo said. "In the summertime and whenever I get a chance to be home, I always go to the gym and play pick-up."

Asked if he considers any of the Broncho players friends, Muonelo said, "They are all good friends of mine."

OSU freshman forward Roger Franklin said Muonelo has been talking about how he can't wait until Saturday. Franklin reminded Muonelo the game doesn't "count."

But Muonelo responded by saying his senior season started as soon as OSU lost a second-round NCAA Tournament game to Pittsburgh.

In months since the season-ending defeat, Muonelo has been a workout addict in training for his farewell tour.

"Obi is that type of cat who is just going to work hard," Franklin said. "He loves to make sure that he is always surpassing the competition."

Said Franklin, "I'm really excited to see what he can do."



Jimmie Tramel 581-8389
jimmie.tramel@tulsaworld.com




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