Cade Cunningham was selected All-NBA First Team on Monday, his second straight year as an All-NBA selection. He averaged 23.9 points, a career-high 9.9 assists, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game.
What happened?
Cade Cunningham's impressive performance helped the Detroit Pistons win 60 games, the best record in the Eastern Conference, and a trip to the Eastern Conference semifinals before losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Why it matters for Cade Cunningham
Cade Cunningham's success in the NBA can be used as a recruiting tool by Oklahoma State's current head coach Steve Lutz, who can point to Cunningham's achievements as an example of what Cowboys basketball is about.
What comes next?
Lutz has already lured one of the best recruiting classes in the country for the 2026-27 athletic year, including McDonald's All-America forward Latrell Allmond, who could become the next link in a chain that Cunningham reinforced.
Cade Cunningham's current contract, a five-year, $269 million designated rookie extension, is an example of how hard work pays off, and Lutz can use this as a selling point to attract top talent to Oklahoma State.
On Monday, Cade Cunningham became the sixth player in NBA history to average at least 23 points, nine assists, and five rebounds in a season, a testament to his skill and dedication to the sport.
The Detroit Pistons' 60-game winning season was a remarkable achievement, and Cade Cunningham's contribution to this success cannot be overstated, with his 23.9 points and 9.9 assists per game making him a key player.
Cade Cunningham's selection to the All-NBA First Team is a well-deserved recognition of his talent and hard work, and it will undoubtedly have a positive impact on Oklahoma State's recruiting efforts.
Cade Cunningham's success in the NBA is a direct result of his time at Oklahoma State, where he was named Big 12 Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year, and his achievements can be used to attract top talent to the program.
The Oklahoma State Cowboys have a long and storied tradition of producing talented basketball players, and Cade Cunningham's success is just another example of what the program has to offer.
Cade Cunningham's All-NBA Award is a significant achievement, and it will be interesting to see how he builds on this success in the upcoming season, and how Oklahoma State's recruiting efforts are affected by his achievements.