The world of college basketball is always abuzz with rumors and speculation, and Texas Tech basketball is no exception. As one of the top programs in the Big 12 Conference, the Red Raiders are always a topic of discussion among fans and analysts alike. With that in mind, here are five Texas Tech basketball rumors to watch:
It's no secret that Texas Tech basketball has become a perennial powerhouse in the Big 12 Conference. With a string of successful seasons, including a trip to the NCAA Championship game in 2019, the Red Raiders have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in college hoops. But with success comes scrutiny, and the rumor mill is always churning out new tidbits of information about the team.
From coaching changes to player transfers, there's always something cooking in Lubbock. Here are five Texas Tech basketball rumors to keep an eye on:
1. Coaching Staff Changes
One of the most persistent rumors surrounding Texas Tech basketball is the potential for coaching staff changes. With head coach Mark Adams entering his second season at the helm, there's been speculation about possible shake-ups to his staff. Some reports have suggested that Adams may be looking to bring in some fresh faces to help revamp the team's offense, which struggled at times last season.
While nothing has been officially announced, sources close to the program have hinted that changes may be on the horizon. This could include the addition of a new assistant coach or two, or possibly even a change to the team's strength and conditioning staff.
Possible Coaching Candidates
Some names that have been mentioned as potential coaching candidates include:
- Former Texas Tech assistant coach, Al Pinkins
- Current Tulsa assistant coach, Beau Carstens
- Former UTEP head coach, Tim Floyd
2. Player Transfers
The transfer portal has become a key part of college basketball in recent years, and Texas Tech is no exception. With several players entering their names into the portal, there's been speculation about who may be on the way out.
Some of the players who have entered the transfer portal include:
- Sophomore guard, Tyreek Smith
- Junior forward, Marcus Santos-Silva
- Senior guard, Davion Warren
Possible Transfer Destinations
Some possible transfer destinations for these players include:
- Tyreek Smith: Kansas State, Baylor, or TCU
- Marcus Santos-Silva: Oklahoma State, Iowa State, or West Virginia
- Davion Warren: UTEP, New Mexico, or SMU
3. Recruiting Updates
Texas Tech has been active on the recruiting trail, with several top targets in the class of 2023. Some of the top recruits who have been linked to the Red Raiders include:
- Five-star forward, Ronald Holland
- Four-star guard, Jamari McDowell
- Four-star forward, KJ Adams
Recruiting Strategy
Sources close to the program have indicated that Texas Tech is taking a patient approach to recruiting, focusing on building relationships with top targets rather than rushing to fill open scholarships.
4. Schedule Changes
The Big 12 Conference has announced several changes to its scheduling format, which could impact Texas Tech's non-conference schedule. Some of the changes include:
- A reduction in the number of non-conference games
- An increase in the number of conference games
- A new scheduling format for the conference tournament
Possible Schedule Additions
Some possible additions to Texas Tech's non-conference schedule include:
- A home-and-home series with a Power Five opponent
- A neutral-site game against a top-ranked opponent
- A tournament appearance in a major conference tournament
5. Facility Upgrades
Texas Tech has been investing heavily in its athletic facilities, including the United Supermarkets Arena. Some of the rumored upgrades include:
- A new video board
- Upgraded seating areas
- Improved concourse amenities
Possible Upgrade Timeline
Sources close to the program have indicated that the upgrades could be completed as early as the 2023-2024 season.
What are the latest rumors surrounding Texas Tech basketball?
+Some of the latest rumors surrounding Texas Tech basketball include coaching staff changes, player transfers, recruiting updates, schedule changes, and facility upgrades.
Who are some potential coaching candidates for Texas Tech?
+Some potential coaching candidates for Texas Tech include Al Pinkins, Beau Carstens, and Tim Floyd.
What are some possible transfer destinations for Texas Tech players?
+Some possible transfer destinations for Texas Tech players include Kansas State, Baylor, TCU, Oklahoma State, Iowa State, and West Virginia.
As the college basketball world continues to evolve, it's clear that Texas Tech will remain a major player in the Big 12 Conference. With a strong coaching staff, talented players, and top-notch facilities, the Red Raiders are poised for continued success in the years to come.