UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Brandon Garrison Opens Up on His Decision to Stay—“I’m Not Done Yet”
In a college basketball landscape where players are bolting for the NBA Draft or transferring at record pace, Brandon Garrison has chosen a different path—a path rooted in loyalty, purpose, and unfinished business.
After months of speculation, mock drafts placing him firmly in the late first round, and multiple high-profile programs trying to lure him through the transfer portal, the Oklahoma State star finally broke his silence. In a candid, emotional interview with reporters on campus earlier this week, Garrison revealed why he chose to stay with the Cowboys for another season—despite having every reason to leave.
“I’m not done yet,” Garrison said, with fire in his voice. “There’s a legacy I want to leave here. This is home. And I want to bring something special back to Stillwater.”
A Star Who Could Have Left
Brandon Garrison’s rise through the college basketball ranks has been nothing short of meteoric. Standing 6’11” with a wingspan that eats up the court, Garrison came to Oklahoma State as a five-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American, billed as a future NBA lottery pick. In his freshman season, he showed flashes of brilliance—highlight-reel blocks, high-IQ passes, and mature post play beyond his years.
By the end of the 2024-25 season, Garrison had averaged 13.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game. His numbers, combined with his leadership and growing national profile, made him a no-brainer for the draft. Several NBA insiders projected him to be selected between picks 20–30, with guaranteed millions awaiting.
So when he didn’t declare for the draft in April, fans were confused. And when he didn’t enter the transfer portal either, rumors swirled. Some speculated it was NIL money. Others thought it was about family. But for Garrison, the decision came down to something much deeper.
“Everyone was telling me to go—agents, scouts, people I’ve known forever. But in my heart, it didn’t feel right yet,” Garrison said. “The draft will always be there. What we started here? That’s once in a lifetime.”
Loyalty to the Program, and to Himself
Part of Garrison’s decision can be traced back to his relationship with Oklahoma State head coach Steve Lutz. Lutz, who took over the program last season amid a rebuilding phase, quickly earned the trust of his players with a no-nonsense approach and an emphasis on personal growth. Garrison thrived under his leadership and credits Lutz as one of the biggest reasons for his return.
“Coach Lutz never promised me anything but the chance to work, to get better, and to lead. That meant more to me than anything else,” Garrison said. “He believed in me when others wanted to use me as a piece in their system. This is different. This is personal.”
Indeed, the personal bond between coach and player was evident. Lutz called Garrison “the heart and soul of the team” and said his return “changes everything” for the Cowboys’ outlook in 2025–26.
“We’re not just building a team around Brandon—we’re building a culture, a foundation. He’s a cornerstone of that,” said Lutz.
The Bigger Picture: Community, Family, and Legacy
Beyond basketball, Garrison’s choice was also influenced by the community and his family. A native of Del City, Oklahoma, just outside of Oklahoma City, Garrison grew up rooting for the Cowboys. His parents are both educators. His mother, a former basketball player herself, often reminded him that greatness isn’t just about reaching the NBA—it’s about how you get there.
“I’ve got little cousins watching me, kids in Del City looking up to me. What message do I send if I bail at the first opportunity?” he asked. “I want to show them you can build where you are. You don’t always have to chase what’s trending. Sometimes, you stay and create something lasting.”
He also spoke emotionally about the recent passing of his grandfather, a lifelong Oklahoma State fan who would often tell him stories of the Cowboys’ glory days. Garrison said he now feels “a mission” to bring pride back to Stillwater.
“I hear my grandfather’s voice every time I step on the court,” Garrison said, holding back tears. “He told me, ‘Don’t let them forget what this place means.’ And I won’t.”
Looking Ahead: What His Return Means for Oklahoma State
With Garrison returning, Oklahoma State instantly becomes one of the most intriguing teams in the Big 12. Alongside a talented recruiting class and key returnees, the Cowboys are poised for their first legitimate NCAA Tournament run in years.
Early preseason polls already have Oklahoma State ranked in the top 25, and Garrison is being touted as a possible Big 12 Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year candidate.
NIL deals are reportedly coming in as well. While Garrison has not publicly discussed his compensation, sources close to the program confirm that multiple major brands are interested in signing him to endorsement deals, given his rising profile and character.
But Garrison insists none of this is about money.
“You can always chase a bag,” he said. “But what I’m chasing is bigger than that. I’m chasing legacy. Championships. Respect. I want people to say, ‘He made Stillwater matter again.’”
The Message to the Nation: Loyalty Still Lives
In an era of one-and-dones, transfer chaos, and player movement, Brandon Garrison’s decision feels almost revolutionary. It’s a throwback to a time when college athletes stayed and built something meaningful—when school pride and loyalty weren’t just buzzwords but guiding principles.
“This is my house,” Garrison said, walking across the practice court. “And I’m not leaving until I’ve left my mark.”
For Oklahoma State fans, for college basketball purists, and for those who still believe in loyalty over hype, Brandon Garrison is more than a player—he’s a symbol. A symbol that sometimes, staying home is the boldest move of all.
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