Freshman getting closer to feeling comfortable

By Cliff Kirkpatrick
Corvallis Gazette-Times

It’s a waiting game watching Seth Tarver play, wondering when the breakout game is going to happen.

Words such as potential and upside are used to describe players such as the all-purpose freshman for the Oregon State men’s basketball team.

After Tarver regains the confidence that made him so dominant at Portland’s Jesuit High, the Beavers should reap the benefits of a potent scorer and tenacious defender. At this point, he’s only the latter.

“It’s a breaking-in process,” Tarver said. “As each game goes by I get more experience. I learn where I can score and be more productive.”

Tarver came to OSU with impressive credentials, considered the top player to come out of the state last season. The 6-foot-5, 205-pounder was a two-time first-team all-state selection and Metro League Player of Year.

Recruiting services such as Hoop Scoop rated him the 79th best prospect in the nation, and Rivals Hoops had him at 102. Scout Hoops said rated him the sixth best small forward in the West Coast.

Coach Jay John believes he can be a special player one day, but just hopes it comes sooner than later. Even the veteran players see his upside.

“Seth is a good player,” senior center Kyle Jeffers said. “He’s smart and he works hard. He knows the game well. I think he can do some positive things this year. He’ll have to adjust to all the constraints around him and figure out how to keep everything level. He’s going to get better because he’s a hard worker. He’s in great shape and will prepare himself.”

His transition to Division I basketball has been mixed. Tarver is physically and mentally ready for the challenge, but has yet to find his shot that allowed him to average 20.4 points a game as a senior at Jesuit, and 15.4 points in four seasons.

He has played in all 11 games this season, starting five and averaging 17.8 minutes. Tarver averages only 3.3 points a game, but grabs 2.2 rebounds and is one of OSU’s top defenders with 10 steals.

“It’s been up and down,” Tarver said. “It’s not easy, but it’s not a great leap physically. We prepared all year long. I’m ready for the games in that sense. I just have to capitalize on my opportunities.”

His older brother, Josh, knows him well, having played with him all their lives. He’s the starting point guard and a key member of the team as a redshirt freshman.

Josh Tarver says it’s nerves that hold his brother back.

“Sometimes I feel he’s nervous, but he’ll get over that,” Josh Tarver said. “He’s starting to come around. My first game I was kind of nervous, but I had to step up. He has to do that same thing. He can’t be afraid to take it to the hole and do what he used to do. I’m not worried about him.”

While Seth Tarver works through his shooting woes, John utilizes his other talents. He is suited to play the wing, but junior starter Marcel Jones is playing well. That leaves limited opportunities at that position.

He is in the mix at shooting guard, but is seeing more time at backup point guard and has 14 assists. His defense is what John wants whenever he gets on the court.

“My goal is to not get scored on, or hurt the team,” Seth Tarver said. “I just want to contribute any way I can. I just want to make progress, and help the team make it to the postseason.”

His development is aided by Josh Tarver. A redshirt season due to a broken foot allowed him to learn the college game, and prepare for this season. Now he’s passing on his knowledge.

And big brother is one of the most eager to see little brother return to form so the two can run the court just like old times.

“He has a lot of potential,” Josh Tarver said. “He’s 6-5 and he can play the point. He can take it off the bounce and he’s a freak athlete. He’s all that. He just has to keep taking shots after practice and in the game it will come easy.”