Texas Tech Basketball: Red Raiders loading up on experience

New Texas Tech basketball coach Chris Beard didn’t have the most talented roster, but he’s acted swiftly in bringing players to augment the returnees.

Last time we reviewed Texas Tech, they had just one new player coming in. That player, Keon Clergeot, chose to go elsewhere after Tubby Smith left for Memphis.

As a replacement, new head coach Chris Beard has snagged three names who should all play important roles for the squad in the 2016-2017 campaign.

Perhaps the biggest coup was getting former Arkansas State forward Anthony Livingston.

As a member of the Red Wolves, Livingston averaged 15.7 points per game and 9.7 rebounds over the course of his two seasons. He’ll have one year of eligibility left as a graduate transfer, but he could very well be the best post Beard has on his roster.

Livingston may not start with returning forwards Zach Smith and Aaron Ross already entrenched, but he will play a lot against Big 12 competition.

Following Livingston into Lubbock are two junior college transfers.

First up is Niem Stevenson from Seward County (KS) CC. The former Saint put up 19.3 points per game, 5.3 rebounds per game, and 1.4 assists per game, while helping his team to an 18-13 record.

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He shot 51 percent from the field overall and 38 percent from long range. This would indicate he has the ability to both slash and finish at the rim or hit from deep.

Tech graduated a couple of their more experienced guards this spring, so Stevenson has a great shot to start right away.

The other newcomer is Shadell Millinghaus from Northwest Florida (FL) CC. Millinghaus averaged 16.9 points per game and 5.2 rebounds per game for a team that went 27-6.

He shot 47.5 percent from the field , but just 31 percent from three point range. He is much more interested in getting to the rim and trying to accumulate free throws than taking shots from deep.

If Stevenson is the favorite for the offguard spot, Millinghaus is his immediate backup. Coach Beard could honestly decide to switch these two up depending on how they look once they get on campus.

I personally love the new guys coming into Texas Tech for next season. While they lost some quality contributors to graduation and the college change, Beard add three guys who can step in and play major roles right away.

They all have experience that could translate well to Big 12 play. The trick for Beard is integrating three guys who have been primary options on their teams with a squad that already has clear cut leaders.

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I’d like to see if the team can acquire a younger face or two with a fairly top-heavy scholarship situation, but if things go well, the Red Raiders could be a surprise and break into the conference’s top four teams this upcoming year.

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