The Barometer Online

Issue date: 2/10/09 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Curtis Barnard Senior guard Rickey Claitt drives without fear against two Arizona State defenders. Claitt showed his leadership when injured against USC, remaining on bench to cheer on his teammates.

The Oregon State men's basketball team has overcome many obstacles that most people anticipated this season. This is surprising because of multiple things: the main obstacle was Oregon State didn't win a single Pac-10 game last season, but also the Beavers are one of the youngest teams in the country with only one senior that gets meaningful playing time - senior, Rickey Claitt.

This season has sparked a lot of talk about how good the Beavers could become in the future, but what Beaver Nation needs to do is slow down and savor the remaining games they have with Rickey Claitt.

"When I first got here, he was a very quiet player, and I asked him to be more of a leader in practice and in games," Oregon State head coach Craig Robinson said. "He has embraced that role and has really helped this team."

In the statbook, this season Claitt has put up decent numbers with 7.3 points and 3 assists as well as averaging upwards of 35 minutes per game. He has become the Beavers floor general for this comeback season. Instilling the right attitude for Oregon State basketball to take yet another step when his playing days in Corvallis are complete.

"We always come back," Claitt said. "We fight down the stretch every game. Coach always says we will fight till the end, till the last minute is up and that is what we do. We're down in some games and come back to win. We have confidence to beat any team in the Pac-10."

Claitt made a statement for the Beavers in what was their first conference win of the new year for Oregon State basketball. Against USC, Claitt had his usual solid game and was a key contributor to the 15-point comeback in the second half. However, an injury forced Claitt out for the remainder of the game with the result still in doubt.

Claitt didn't go to the locker room; he didn't even sit down. He stood there held up by crutches supporting his team through every waking moment of the thrilling four-point victory. An image that will not be forgotten by anyone associated with Beaver basketball any time soon.

Continued...

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