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Texas Tech Basketball: 2020-21 season preview for Red Raiders

By Tristan Freeman

LUBBOCK, TEXAS - MARCH 07: The Texas Tech Red Raiders stand for the National Anthem before the college basketball game against the Kansas Jayhawks on March 07, 2020 at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TEXAS - MARCH 07: The Texas Tech Red Raiders stand for the National Anthem before the college basketball game against the Kansas Jayhawks on March 07, 2020 at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) /
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Texas Tech Basketball
Texas Tech Basketball Mac McClung (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

Potential starting lineup for Texas Tech (using traditional positions)

Point guard – JR Mac McClung

Along with Olivier Sarr heading to Kentucky, this was the major offseason transfer pickup in college basketball. The former Georgetown guard left a tough situation and picked the Red Raiders over a number of power conference programs. McClung averaged 15.7 ppg last season and stepped up big time on offense once guard James Akinjo transferred midseason.

The biggest strength the 6’3 guard provides is his ability to create his own offense, something the Red Raiders were missing a bit. However, he’s not the greatest passer and was a below-average defender, something that won’t fly under Coach Beard. If he becomes a more all-around player, McClung could very well be an All-Big guard and leading scorer of the offense.

Shooting guard – FR Nimari Burnett

Ranked in the top-35 overall, Burnett is a 6’4 combo guard with tremendous scoring ability. Compared to Ramsey, he’s not as good a pure shooter but is a better facilitator of the ball, while also able to score in a variety of other ways. The depth on this roster may prevent him from being a “one and done” NBA Draft candidate but Burnett has the skills to not be in college for very long.

Small forward – JR Kyler Edwards

One of the more underrated players in the country, Edwards averaged 11.4 ppg and 3.0 apg in over 33 mpg last season. He can do it all and is a legit two-way threat. He might not be that 20 ppg scorer that’s in contention for Conference Player of the Year but the 6’4 junior plays that pivotal wing role that thrives in Coach Beard’s system. Don’t be surprised if Edwards scoring production takes a dip but he ends up leading the team in assists this season.

Power forward – Terrence Shannon Jr.

Technically, the 6’6 sophomore is a small forward and is on the preseason Julius Erving Watch List. But like many of the others on that same list, look for Shannon Jr. to play a fair amount at the small-ball forward spot. Part of it has to do with a lack of proven depth in the backcourt, along with excess depth in the backcourt. This scenario allows the Red Raiders to maximize the minutes for the projected rotation players.

The former top-50 prospect was solid last season, averaging 9.8 ppg and 4.4 rpg and being started most of the games. He can play both forward positions and with an improved three-point shot, can really boose both his and Texas Tech’s offense.

Center – Marcus Santos-Silva

The 6’7 and 250-pound big man averaged 12.8 ppg and 8.9 rpg last season at VCU. He’s a great individual defender and had 10 double-doubles, along with numerous other games with either 10+ rebounds or 15+ points. After missing out on Matt Haarms, the Red Raiders were able to fill the hole at center with Santos-Silva. He’s a bit undersized in the Big 12 world but the defensive scheme of the team should help him out whenever needed.

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