Texas Basketball: 3 reasons why the Longhorns will be better than Texas Tech in 2018-19

1. The Red Raiders have been weakened

Texas fans have little choice but to give begrudging respect to Chris Beard and the Red Raiders program. In just a couple of years, the coach has built the most prestigious unit in school history. That momentum ends this season, as two of the best players in recent program memory departed during the offseason.

Keenan Evans graduated after four stellar seasons driving the bus in Lubbock. He was a First Team All-Big 12 player during his senior year, in addition to being a consensus Second Team All-American. Texas Tech will sorely miss his leadership on and off the court.

The rise of Zhaire Smith was much swifter. While he only spent a year at Texas Tech, he emerged as a star for the Red Raiders, especially when he put his athleticism on full display during the team’s NCAA Tournament run.

To the surprise of many, he declared for the NBA Draft, where he was selected by the Phoenix Suns (and quickly dealt to the Philadelphia 76ers) in the first round.

Texas Tech returns plenty of talent and experience from last year’s historic roster. Without their two best players from a year ago, however, they’ll find themselves grasping for straws when they need help the most.