Why Oklahoma State's John-Michael Wright embraces being called 'smallest man on the court'

STILLWATER — John-Michael Wright is listed at a generous 6-foot-1 on Oklahoma State’s roster.

He knows it. So do others around the program.

Hence the moniker “smallest man on the court” that’s thrown around often by OSU play-by-play radio voice Dave Hunziker.

“I embrace it,” Wright said.

And he thrives with it.

With no player listed below 6-2 on the floor, Wright flew into the lane and made a put-back layup with 0.8 seconds left to take down Texas Tech on Wednesday.

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Iowa State has one player listed at 6-1 — freshman point guard Tamin Lipsey — but it was Wright who took over late, even dunking for the first time all season, in Saturday’s upset victory.

Wright might be small. But he has found a way to shine in the biggest moments.

“I try and put on for the little guys out here in the world,” Wright said. “There’s lot of people that’s my size that don’t believe they can play at this level and I try my best to show them that it’s possible with hard work.”

Wright is a key part of the Cowboys’ five straight wins entering a massive matchup with defending national champion and fifth-ranked Kansas at 8 p.m. Tuesday in Gallagher-Iba Arena in Stillwater.

The senior transfer was named the Big 12’s Newcomer of the Week on Monday. He has come alive offensively at just the right time following the indefinite loss of Avery Anderson III while also providing steady leadership at a key position.

In the past three games, Wright averaged 14.7 points and made 58% of his shots, including 7 of 14 from 3-point range. And he was the primary closer in each victory.

“He’s a key piece to this team, really,” OSU senior Chris Harris Jr. said. “He puts work in day in and day out, so when it comes to crunch time I know he’s going to make the right play or make the right read.

“I’m proud of him. Big steps.”

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Throughout the season, Wright has grown into the player Cowboys coach Mike Boynton envisioned when recruiting him last spring from the transfer portal.

At High Point, Wright was the go-to scorer and ballhandler. He had big moments there and averaged 18.4 points per game a year ago.

“I had a lot of games where I had a lot of impact in the second half,” Wright said. “That’s why I try to stay composed. Not to brag, but I’m kinda used to that type of situation.

“I enjoy helping my team the best way I can. We just gotta keep this thing rolling and keep working hard.”

During the recruitment of Wright, Boynton relied on his familiarity with High Point. His first coaching job was as an assistant at Coastal Carolina, once in the Big South with High Point.

And Boynton knows and respects Wright’s former coach, Tubby Smith.

There was a belief that Wright had been coached well. Along with Texas State transfer Caleb Asberry, Wright could also address OSU’s ballhandling issues and 3-point shooting that plagued it a year ago.

More:How Oklahoma State will turn to a 'village' of players with loss of Avery Anderson III

“I think it’s worked out pretty good so far,” Boynton said.

In the past six games, Wright has gained confidence. He scored in double figures in all but two games.

He has solidified his role.

Early in the year, he was adjusting to his new teammates and role. Boynton said last week Wright is more comfortable.

Wright said he’s certainly comfortable in crunch time.

That’s the moment he gets to prove his impact.

“I like being called the smallest guy on the floor,” Wright said. “When you’re the smallest but you make an impact, that means the other team ain’t doing something right. So, I enjoy it.”

Jacob Unruh covers college sports for The Oklahoman. You can send your story ideas to him at junruh@oklahoman.com or on Twitter at @jacobunruh. Support his work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today.

OSU vs. Kansas

TIPOFF: 8 p.m. Tuesday at Gallagher-Iba Arena in Stillwater (ESPN)

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This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma State's John-Michael Wright embraces being small on court