NCAA Basketball: 5 under-the-radar freshmen to watch in 2018-19

By Brian Rauf | Jun 20, 2018

SPRINGFIELD, MA - JANUARY 15: Keldon Johnson #3 of Oak Hill Academy goes for a layup in a game against University School during the 2018 Spalding Hoophall Classic at Blake Arena at Springfield College on January 15, 2018 in Springfield, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

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BOSTON, MA – MARCH 25: Head coach Chris Beard of the Texas Tech Red Raiders reacts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

SF Khavon Moore, Texas Tech

Both Keenan Evans and the aforementioned Zhaire Smith are gone for the Red Raiders, so who will fill those roles? Moore is a good candidate to fill a mixture of both.In fact, that ability to play right away is what drew him to Texas Tech.

“They just have a great coaching staff and a great environment,” Moore said about the Red Raiders after his commitment, via Rivals. “I am going to be able to make an impact on the team right away as a freshman.”

Moore is a very smooth ball-handler and gifted passer for someone who is 6-foot-8, so expect him to play some point forward for Chris Beard’s squad. He’s also very long and super athletic, making him a nightmare for opponents in the open court.

If he can add some weight and strength before the start of the season, Moore also has a lot of upside as a small ball four, which is a role he may be limited to sometimes due to his lackluster shooting record.

Next: Updated way-too-early Bracketology

Texas Tech knew they’d take a step back this year without Evans and many expect that step to be even greater as they try to replace Smith, but if Moore can make an immediate impact, the Red Raiders may find their way into another NCAA Tournament.

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