Texas Tech Red Raiders
2019-2020 Overall Rank: #14
Conference Rank: #2 Big 12
Chris Beard has become one of the top coaches in the nation and has turned Texas Tech into a top basketball program. The Red Raiders have gone 58-17 over the past two seasons, made the Championship Game last season and have had multiple NBA Lottery selections under Beard. On paper, this season looks to be a rebuilding year, but Chris Beard has proven not to assume such a thing. Only two players return from last season, but talented transfers and a strong recruiting class should be enough to make Texas Tech contenders in the Big 12 again.
2018-19 Record: 31-7, 14-4
2018-19 Postseason: NCAA
Coach: Chris Beard
Coach Record: 76-31 at Texas Tech, 172-61 overall
Key Departed Players:
Jarrett Culver, Guard, 18.5 ppg
Matt Mooney, Guard, 11.3 ppg
Tariq Owens, Forward, 8.7 ppg
Brandone Francis, Guard, 6.5 ppg
Deshawn Corprew, Guard, 5.0 ppg
Norense Odiase, Forward, 4.2 ppg
Malik Ondigo, Forward, 1.3 ppg
Jarrett Culver, Guard, 18.5 ppg
Matt Mooney, Guard, 11.3 ppg
Tariq Owens, Forward, 8.7 ppg
Brandone Francis, Guard, 6.5 ppg
Deshawn Corprew, Guard, 5.0 ppg
Norense Odiase, Forward, 4.2 ppg
Malik Ondigo, Forward, 1.3 ppg
Key Returning Players:
Davide Moretti, Junior, Guard, 11.5 ppg
Kyler Edwards, Sophomore, Guard, 5.5 ppg
Davide Moretti, Junior, Guard, 11.5 ppg
Kyler Edwards, Sophomore, Guard, 5.5 ppg
Key New Players:
Chris Clarke, Senior, Forward, Transfer from Virginia Tech
TJ Holyfield, Senior, Forward, Transfer from Stephen F. Austin
Kevin McCullar, Freshman, Guard
Clarence Nadolny, Freshman, Guard
Jahmi’us Ramsey, Freshman, Guard
Andrei Savrasov, Freshman, Forward
Terrence Shannon, Freshman, Guard
Tyreek Smith, Freshman, Forward
Russel Tchewa, Freshman, Center
TJ Holyfield, Senior, Forward, Transfer from Stephen F. Austin
Kevin McCullar, Freshman, Guard
Clarence Nadolny, Freshman, Guard
Jahmi’us Ramsey, Freshman, Guard
Andrei Savrasov, Freshman, Forward
Terrence Shannon, Freshman, Guard
Tyreek Smith, Freshman, Forward
Russel Tchewa, Freshman, Center
Projection:
Deshawn Corprew’s late dismissal from the team this offseason results in just two players returning from last year’s national runner-up team. Davide Moretti is poised to be one of the top guards in the nation this year following his All-Big 12 Third Team selection as a sophomore. Moretti was one of the most reliable guards in the NCAA as he led the nation in free-throw percentage and averaged 11.5 points and 2.4 assists per game. Kyler Edwards is the lone other returner after playing 17.8 minutes per game as a freshman. Edwards scored 12 points in the title game against Virginia, and that type of production should carry over into his sophomore campaign. The most excitement about Texas Tech basketball this season may revolve around their two incoming transfers. Chris Clarke was one of the most important players in the ACC before not playing any of last season. Two years ago at Virginia Tech, Clarke averaged 8.2 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.0 assists. Texas Tech will hope to get similar production to his sophomore year though where he averaged 11.4 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.3 steals. Clarke is well-rounded, can play and defend multiple positions and should strive under Chris Beard. TJ Holyfield was a two-time All-Southland Conference selection at Stephen F. Austin. The 6-foot-8 forward didn’t play last season due to injury, but averaged 12.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 1.1 steals in 2017-18. The Big 12 will provide a different challenge than the Southland, but Holyfield’s experience and talent will be crucial for Texas Tech this season. The Red Raiders also welcome in a top-20 recruiting class this year. Jahmi’us Ramsey is the highlight of the class as a four-star, top-40 recruit. Ramsey, a 6-foot-4 guard, can become a big-time scorer and the next star player under Chris Beard. Terrence Shannon, a 6-foot-6 guard, is also a four-star recruit who was ranked in the top-100 in his class. In total, Texas Tech’s roster will include seven freshmen, all of which will have the opportunity to play a major role this season. Chris Beard has his hands full with an almost entirely new roster, but he has earned the benefit of the doubt when it comes to expectations for his team.
Projected Postseason Tournament: NCAA
By the Numbers:
Scoring Offense: 72.8 (162nd in nation, 5th in conference)
Scoring Defense: 59.5 (3, 1)
Field-Goal Percentage: 46.9 (51, 2)
Field-Goal Defense: 37.0 (2, 1)
Three-Point Field Goals Per Game: 7.3 (217, 7)
Three-Point Field-Goal Percentage: 36.5 (70, 2)
Free-Throw Percentage: 73.2 (89, 1)
Rebound Margin: 1.3 (135, 5)
Assists Per Game: 13.6 (154, 5)
Turnovers Per Game: 12.0 (90, 5)
Madness 2019 Men’s Basketball Recruit Rankings:
#26 Jahmius Ramsey
#78 Terrence Shannon Jr
#128 Tyreek Smith
