Big 12 Basketball: What is the ceiling for each program for 2018-19?

By Chris Kern | Oct 6, 2018

OMAHA, NE - MARCH 25: Devonte' Graham #4 of the Kansas Jayhawks hoists the regional championship trophy after his team defeated the Duke Blue Devils in the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Midwest Regional at CenturyLink Center on March 25, 2018 in Omaha, Nebraska. The Kansas Jayhawks defeated the Duke Blue Devils 85-81. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

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LUBBOCK, TX – FEBRUARY 07: Jarrett Culver #23 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders reacts after dunking the basket during the game against the Iowa State Cyclones on February 7, 2018 at United Supermarket Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech defeated Iowa State 76-58. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /

Texas Tech Red Raiders

The Texas Tech Red Raiders surprised a lot of people with their deep NCAA tournament run. They made it all the way to the Elite 8 before losing to eventual champion Villanova.

They made it there largely because of being such an experienced team. The downfall from that is that it’s hard to replace the guys the following year. Add in them losing talented freshman Zhaire Smith to the NBA and it could be a struggle for the Red Raiders this year.

Chris Beard knows what he’s doing down in Lubbock. He is bringing in a lot of talent and he knows how to get the most out of his guys.

Sophomore guard Jarret Culver could be one of the most improved players in college basketball. He averaged 11.2 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. He’s gonna need to be the leader of the offense after losing star point guard Keenan Evans.

A couple of returnees from last year are expected to have much larger roles this season. Norense Odiase, Davide Moretti, and Brandone Francis all will be needed to contribute on a nightly basis.

They also brought in two huge graduate transfers, forward Tariq Owens from St.Johns and guard Matt Mooney from South Dakota. Owens averaged 8.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game last season. While Mooney averaged 18.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game.

Add in a few solid recruits such as forward Khavon Moore and you’ve got a really good team. Juco transfer Deshawn Corprew also has a shot to play a role on this team.

This team might not stand out as elite but they have the pieces to be really good. They will battle on both ends and be one of the better two-way teams in the conference.

Texas Tech will make the NCAA tournament that’s for sure. With so many players gone and having to play fewer guys, it’ll be a big adjustment for some of these guys. If they get it together there’s no reason they can’t be a 5 or 6 seed and potentially advance to the Sweet 16. I don’t think they have much of a shot to go any further though.

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