NCAA Basketball: Formerly injured players set for big impact in 2020-21

LOUISVILLE, KY - NOVEMBER 27: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans talks to Joshua Langford #1 during the ACC/Big Ten Challenge against the Louisville Cardinals at KFC YUM! Center on November 27, 2018 in Louisville, Kentucky. Louisville won 82-78 in overtime. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

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LUBBOCK, TEXAS – JANUARY 29: A video is played and flames shoot up as the Texas Tech Red Raiders are introduced (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) /

Tyreek Smith – Texas Tech

When Tyreek Smith committed to Texas Tech he did so as the District Defensive Player of the Year while at Trinity Christian and was expected to bring that aspect to a Texas Tech that was coming off a season where they held Big-12 opponents to the lowest total in the conference. At the end of the 2018-19 season, Chris Beard would lose four of his starters, three of them to the NBA, and Smith who was part of the Big-12’s No. 2 recruitment class was targeted to contribute minutes.

When the 6’7 forward is healthy, it is going to be difficult for Coach Beard to not play him. Although not a refined at creating his own shot and will go at a defender hard with the dribble before using a crossover or will finish with a dunk before ever taking a mid-range jumper, his versatility is his greatest asset.

Smith is quick enough to guard small forwards on the perimeter with no fear of getting caught in a switch and strong enough to protect the paint. His athleticism makes him a terrific weakside defender who can block shots. With the departure of Jahmi’us Ramsey, Coach Beard will have to get back to being one of the top defensive teams, and Tyreek Smith is a perfect foundation piece to finally put in place.

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