Texas Tech Red Raiders In The Nba

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The Texas Tech Red Raiders have a rich basketball history, and several of their alumni have gone on to have successful careers in the NBA. From dominant big men to sharp-shooting guards, the Red Raiders have produced a talented crop of players who have made their mark on the professional game.

Early Success in the NBA

The first Texas Tech player to make it to the NBA was Bubba Jennings, who was drafted by the Detroit Pistons in 1966. Jennings played four seasons in the NBA, averaging 7.5 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. He was followed by other Red Raiders, including Jim Reed and Doug Terry, who both played in the 1970s.

Modern-Day Stars

In recent years, the Texas Tech Red Raiders have produced a number of talented players who have gone on to successful careers in the NBA. One of the most notable is Zhaire Smith, who was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers with the 16th overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft.

Smith had a promising rookie season, averaging 6.7 points and 2.2 rebounds per game, before suffering a serious injury that has limited his playing time. Despite the setback, Smith remains a talented young player with a bright future in the NBA.

Another Texas Tech alumnus making waves in the NBA is Jarrett Culver, who was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves with the 6th overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft. Culver had a strong rookie season, averaging 9.5 points and 3.4 rebounds per game, and has established himself as a key contributor for the Timberwolves.

Other Notable Alumni

In addition to Smith and Culver, several other Texas Tech alumni have gone on to play in the NBA. Some notable examples include:

• Andre Emmett, who played for the Memphis Grizzlies and New Jersey Nets from 2004-2007
• Martin Zeno, who played for the San Antonio Spurs and Utah Jazz from 2008-2010
• Nick Okorie, who played for the Oklahoma City Thunder and Golden State Warriors from 2010-2012
• Robert Lewandowski, who played for the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers from 2012-2014

Gallery of Texas Tech Red Raiders in the NBA

Conclusion

The Texas Tech Red Raiders have a proud tradition of producing talented basketball players who go on to succeed in the NBA. From early pioneers like Bubba Jennings to modern-day stars like Zhaire Smith and Jarrett Culver, the Red Raiders have consistently demonstrated their ability to develop and produce top-notch talent. As the program continues to grow and evolve, it will be exciting to see which future Red Raiders will make their mark on the NBA.