CORVALLIS - Rickey Claitt says his time with the Oregon State men's basketball team was too short.

He's already starting to miss the camaraderie.

The senior guard will wrap up his career soon. Wednesday's Pacific-10 Conference Tournament first-round contest with Stanford is the only guaranteed game left.

"I've had fun here with my two years, and I wish I had two more years," Claitt said. "I'm taking it all in right now and enjoying it."

Claitt joined the Beavers before last season as a junior college transfer from Mineral College in Park Hills, Mo. That was another brief stop for the Orlando, Fla., native.

Enduring the miserable winless conference season a year ago and being part of this surprising season with more wins than anyone expected makes his experience at OSU memorable.

"It has been fun being on a losing team and then on a winning team that turned it around," Claitt said. "I wanted to help turn this program around."

Claitt was a standout at Orlando's Edgewater High, helping his team win district and state titles. When he looked for colleges, Claitt wanted to see different parts of the country and improve teams wherever he went.

He helped revitalize Mineral Area, and wanted to do that at an NCAA Division I program. The Beavers were the right fit even though Oklahoma and Louisiana State were also interested.

Claitt, however, was hobbled by tendinitis in both knees and foot problems last season. He had trouble walking after each game and practice but toughed it out, averaging 22.1 minutes, 3.0 points and 2.2 assists in 31 games.

"My numbers were awful," Claitt said. "This year is a big difference being healthy."

He has been healthier, but still treats his leg issues. Claitt leads the team in minutes played at 34.0 a game, and averages 6.9 points and 2.6 assists in 29 games.

This success, however, leads to regret of a decision made last season.

"I've doubted that I made the right choice, not about coming here, but pushing myself," Claitt said. "I was playing hurt last year. I should have sat out and got healthy. I should have sat out and told coach (Jay) John I wasn't ready to play, but I did what I did."

First-year coach Craig Robinson wishes Claitt had more time in the program. His steady play helped OSU adapt to the motion offense.

Teammates bonded through the difficulties last season, and through the turnaround. Claitt's humor and playing ability helped them through the good and bad.

"We'll miss his leadership, and he's a funny guy," sophomore Omari Johnson said. "He keeps us together on the court and off the court. He's a steady point guard and doesn't make turnovers or mistakes. We'll miss that."

Claitt is ready to face the future, but will live in the moment as long as possible. He'll graduate with a major in business this summer.

If there are pro basketball opportunities nationally or overseas Claitt will look into them. Until then he's looking forward to his last run.