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Maybe nepotism isn’t always a bad thing.
A father getting his son a position is a hot topic in the sports world right now after LeBron James’ son, Bronny, was drafted 55th overall by the Lakers to play on the same team as his dad. Bronny spent one season at USC, where he averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists a game. The numbers show why many question whether he would have gotten a shot in the NBA with a different bloodline. But maybe those genetics are exactly why he could develop into the next LeBron James someday. Regardless, that topic is a reminder that Oklahoma State has also had some iconic father-son duos, and here’s to reminiscing about those.
Mike & Gunnar Gundy
We start with the father-son duo most fresh on our minds. Gunnar walked onto the OSU football team to play for his father, who was also a quarterback for the Cowboys like him. Despite being a walk-on, though, Gunnar was part of a three-quarterback rotation that was competing for the starting job at the start of last season. Gunnar ultimately lost the position battle, and in a shocking move, announced before the Texas Bowl that he was transferring. He was very briefly at Ohio, then entered the transfer portal again but still has not announced his next move.
Tom & Josh Holliday
Oh, to be a baseball player with Holliday genetics. A lot of baseball success stems from Tom Holliday and his family tree, but as far as at OSU specifically, we look to Josh, who today is OSU’s baseball coach. Tom also led the Cowboys’ baseball program from 1997 until 2003. Josh played under his father, then after a brief stint in the minors, Tom gave Josh his first coaching gig as a student assistant coach in 2001. Both have led the Cowboys to the College World Series once as head coaches.
John & Joe Smith
And somehow, the Holliday genetics might not even be the strongest in Stillwater with the Smiths/Perrys in town. After winning three Oklahoma state championships at Stillwater High School, Joe went to OSU to wrestle for his father, a legend both as a coach and wrestler. Joe got in the starting lineup quickly and eventually became a three-time All-American. He also won a pair of Big 12 titles. Joe had a successful career by most standards, but his accolades often get overlooked coming from a father who was a two-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time NCAA champion. Today, Joe continues in his father’s footsteps and coaches wrestling at the high school level.
Rob & Donnie Walton
Donnie wasn’t exactly coached by his father at OSU, but they were on the same team, which made it to the College World Series during Walton’s senior season in 2016. Rob has been OSU’s pitching coach since 2012 and Donnie played middle infield for the Cowboys from 2013 until 2016. Rob is still on Holliday’s staff today, while Donnie was drafted by the Mariners in the fifth round in 2016 and is now playing in the Giants’ organization.
Eddie & Sean & Scott Sutton
This is actually a trio instead of a duo. Eddie’s name is on the court at Gallagher-Iba Arena, a venue which both of his sons have played and coached in, as well. Both played for their dad at OSU before also going into coaching at the Division-I level. Sean even led the Cowboys himself between 2006-08, replacing his dad. As a player, Sean helped guide the Pokes to back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances as their point guard. Scott is an assistant at OSU today after being the head coach at ORU from 1999 until 2017.
Henry & Moe Iba
Father-son duos are nothing new at OSU, considering Henry Iba hasn’t led the Cowboys since 1970. Mr. Iba’s son, Moe, played under him in 1958-62. The Cowboys made the Elite Eight in Moe’s first season on the team. Like his father, Moe also had a long and successful coaching career with 28 years as a head coach. He led the programs at Memphis State, Nebraska and TCU.
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Read this original article at Pistols Firing Blog.