Big 12 Basketball: 5 biggest questions for rest of 2019-20 season

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - MARCH 21: Freddie Gillespie #33 and Mark Vital #11 of the Baylor Bears celebrate their 78-69 win over the Syracuse Orange in the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 21, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 10: Andrei Savrasov #12 and TJ Holyfield #22 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /

2. Is Texas Tech a second-weekend caliber team?

Mauro

In terms of pure talent level, likely no. However, the Red Raiders are consistently one of, if not the best-coached team in the country. Chris Beard always has his guys ready to play and they are a tough out for anybody. Jahmius Ramsey recently returned to the lineup, which gives Tech a top-tier player heading into Big 12 play. Look for them to be near the top of the conference standings once again at year’s end and fighting for a second-weekend spot.

Stearman

Not yet, but I still have confidence that they can develop into that level of team. Tech just can’t score efficiently enough right now. They are shooting 33.5% from downtown which is shocking for a team led by Davide Moretti. Jahmi’us Ramsey has missed some time with injuries, and I think he’ll be the focal point for the Tech offense through conference play. Moretti isn’t shooting at nearly the level he was last year, and he’s taking considerably more shots. I think he needs to be moved off the ball more often, and allowed to get shots in rhythm. Chris Beard will figure this out though, and Tech will be a really tough out in the tournament.

Corn

Is Texas Tech a second-weekend caliber team? They have a lot of new faces, and replacing Jarrett Culver isn’t exactly the easiest thing to do, but the one constant? Chris Beard. He’s one of the best coaches in the nation, and this Texas Tech team has already shown their worth with a big win over a really good Louisville team this season.

They’re not as good as last year obviously with the new pieces around the team, but this team has proven they can compete with anybody on any given night, a testament to their coach. As long as Chris Beard is around they’ll be a tough out. I can see this Texas Tech team scratching and clawing their way to the sweet 16 if things go the right way.

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