Texas Tech Basketball: Zach Smith forgoing NBA Draft, returning to Red Raiders
By Taylor Sturm
Navigating the brutal schedule of the Big 12 is never easy, but the Texas Tech Red Raiders will get a huge boost with the return of Zach Smith.
The Texas Tech Red Raiders were up and down throughout the 2016-17 season but will be hopeful that they can make a push to the 2018 NCAA Tournament.
Their dream gets a little more realistic with the return of second-leading scorer Zach Smith.
Texas Tech coach Chris Beard told ESPN that Zach Smith will return to Lubbock next season. Will withdraw from NBA Draft.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) May 22, 2017
Smith, who tested the NBA waters without hiring an agent, is making the smart decision to return for another season. Built like an NBA player, he will need to continue to prove himself in collegiate play if he wants to sneak into the second round.
Last season, he averaged 12.1 points per game, 7.2 rebounds per game, 1.4 assists per game, and 1.4 blocks per game over 31.5 minutes per game. Smith helped lead the Red Raiders to an 18-14 record with wins over the Baylor Bears and West Virginia Mountaineers.
Unfortunately, the team was unable to stay away from bad losses, and it led to their inability to make it to a postseason tournament. However, next season looks as if it will be a completely different story.
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With Kennan Evans starring at the guard position, Smith’s return makes Texas Tech an interesting team to keep an eye on. They have what it takes to make it to the Big Dance and even compete in the Big 12. But can the Red Raiders do it?