Texas Tech Basketball: Why Red Raiders will be better than Kansas

Texas Tech Basketball: Why Red Raiders will be better than Kansas in 2019-20

AMES, IA - MARCH 9: Texas Tech Red Raiders Tariq Owens #11, Davide Moretti #25, Deshawn Corprew #3, Kyler Edwards #0 run off the court after defeating the Iowa State Cyclones 80-73 in the second half of play at Hilton Coliseum on March 9, 2019 in Ames, Iowa. The Texas Tech Red Raiders won 80-73 over the Iowa State Cyclones. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /

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ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 30: Head coach Chris Beard of the Texas Tech Red Raiders celebrates after defeating the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament West Regional at Honda Center on March 30, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

1. Coaching

Yep, I said it. I think that the Red Raiders, lead by a fourth-year head coach, have the upper hand over a team coached by one of the top coaches in the sport.

Let’s be honest for a second. Who has more momentum going into the season? Chris Beard, who has improved in every season with the Red Raiders, or Bill Self, whose record streak was snapped last season? Easily Beard.

Now, momentum isn’t everything, but it’s something. One thing that momentum helps build is a positive atmosphere around a program. That is exactly what Texas Tech has. They have one of the best auras around their program and it was reflected in their recruiting class.

In addition to chemistry, Beard’s coaching style was showcased throughout last season’s NCAA tournament. His style, which relied heavily on defense and three-point shooting, complements this season’s Red Raiders perfectly.

Meanwhile, Self’s style, which is built around four-year players and top-tier recruits, will be compromised this season since the Jayhawks are short on both. Only one starter this season is a non-grad transfer senior and the Jayhawks don’t have a five-star recruit, which they had two of last season.

In short, Beard’s current roster compliments his style much better than Self’s current roster compliments his own. Beard is quickly becoming one of the top coaches in the sport, while Self looks to have reached his ceiling.

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