Tech Picked Last

If Texas Tech’s version of Midnight Madness is a foreshadow of what is to come for the men’s basketball team, then one word for fans: ouch!

Texas Tech head coach Tubby Smith entered United Supermarkets Arena dressed in black garb with sunglasses, riding a motorcycle. No problem, except when Smith tried to stop, the motorcycle fell on him, and he had to be helped up.

“Other than a bruised ankle and bruised and pride, I’m OK,” Tubby Smith said. “I’m excited for the season. Anytime I jump on a motorcycle, you know I’m excited.”

The Red Raiders were picked to finish tenth in the Big 12 Media poll. Tech is looking to rebound from a 14-18 record last year. Last season saw seven of the Big 12 teams go to the NCAA tournament last season, and an eighth team play in the NIT.

Tech must find a way to replace Jaye Crockett’s 13 points and six rebounds a game. More importantly Tech must find a way to fill his leadership.

Tech brought in seven new faces, including five freshmen: Isaiah Manderson, Justin Gray, Zach Smith, Keenan Evans, Norense Odiase, and two junior college transfers in Devaugntah Williams and Justin Jamison. Smith believes there is a good nucleus to win right away.

“I think we have the right people in place,” Smith said. “It’s just a matter of time as we mature and grow that we are going to be able to compete with anyone in the Big 12 and the country,” Smith said.

Smith, will be looking for the Red Raiders to finish games better than last year, where they let some games get away, late.

“Being a leader is what the coaches ask for, from us seniors, Luke Adams, Clark Lammert,” senior guard Robert Turner said.

With Tech’s youth, look for them to run the floor more, with the hope of wearing teams down with depth late in the games.

Tech opened its 2014 season against Southeastern Oklahoma State University on Monday at the United Supermarkets Arena winning 79-67.