Mike Boynton announces guard Bryce Thompson will not return from injury in 2024

On Thursday, Oklahoma State head coach Mike Boynton revealed guard Bryce Thompson will not return this season. Thompson has a torn labrum in his right shoulder and will require surgery.

Thompson suffered the injury in OSU’s 83-54 loss at Kansas last week. In 18 games this season, Thompson averaged 11.6 points per game on 39.4% shooting while playing 27.7 minutes per game.

Thompson also missed three games in November due to injury. The veteran playmaker played less than five minutes against Kansas before suffering the injury. He started in all eight of Oklahoma State’s conference games before suffering his injury.

Thompson began his career at Kansas, only playing one season before transferring to Oklahoma State. In three seasons with the Cowboys, Thompson has made 82 starts. In the 2022-23 season, Thompson was the program’s leading scorer, averaging 11.2 points per game.

Thompson only improved in conference play. Against Big 12 competition, Thompson averaged 12.4 ppg and ranked sixth among conference regulars in three-point percentage (39%). The Cowboys are 1-1 since Thompson’s injury, most recently falling to Houston.

Mike Boynton reveals respect for Kelvin Sampson

Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson was a mentor to Boynton. Before their matchup, Boynton revealed how Sampson has influenced his career.

“He’s been a tremendous mentor to me and several other young coaches in the country. I’ve leaned on him, certainly before he got in the league, for advice on how do you navigate the challenges,” Boynton said. “The successes are easy, right? You’ve got to watch that you don’t get full of yourself.

“It’s really the day-to-day management of 15 players, a staff, their families, boosters, alumni, former players. There’s a lot that goes into it.”

Boynton knows this reality better than most. The 42-year-old head coach is in his seventh year at the helm of Oklahoma State. He knows how difficult it is to find consistent success at the collegiate level. This knowledge makes him respect Sampson even more.

“He’s been a tremendous help to me, as I’ve tried to continue to grow to become as good a coach as he’s been over the course his career,” Boynton added. “I think he’s one of the all-time greats. Literally. Regardless of sport, regardless of gender, regardless of level — he’s one of the best coaches to ever coach a sport.”

Oklahoma State will look to bounce back after suffering a loss against Houston earlier this week. On Saturday, the Cowboys will square off against Oklahoma at 7 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.