Oklahoma State on Tuesday hired the older brother of Cade Cunningham as its new assistant basketball coach, leading to speculation that the Cowboys are now the favorites to land the nation's No. 2-ranked rising senior prospect.
Cannen Cunningham, 26, spent last season at Tulane as the associate director of video operations under Mike Dunleavy Sr. He played at SMU from 2011-15.
As reported by ESPN's Jeff Borzello, the trend of programs hiring the relative of a highly-ranked prospect has grown in recent years. Washington and then Missouri hired Michael Porter Sr., the father of Michael Porter Jr. and Jontay Porter, while Western Kentucky hired the guardian of Charles Bassey. Last spring, USC hired Eric Mobley, the father of incoming five-star freshman Isaiah Mobley and top-ranked rising senior Evan Mobley.
"I am thrilled to be able to add Cannen to our staff," Oklahoma State coach Mike Boynton said. "I have gotten to know Cannen really well over the last year or so as I have watched his development as a coach. He has a great knack for player development and has a relatability with players that will be a tremendous asset to the continual growth of our program. Cannen has strong knowledge of basketball as he has learned from a couple of our game's best teachers. I look forward to the energy and relationships that he can bring to elevate our program to the next level."
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