Texas Tech Basketball: Projecting Red Raiders starting lineup for 2021-22 season
Power Forward – Kevin Obanor
2020-21 stats: 18.7 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game
Kevin Obanor could end up being one of the most skilled offensive forwards Texas Tech has ever had. Shooting 46.3% from 3-pt range while averaging 9.6 rebounds per game is simply not something you see frequently at any level of basketball. His offensive game is not limited to just shooting either.
If you watch the tape, Obanor often gets defenders to over pursue along the perimeter allowing him to make easy cuts towards the basket resulting in a layup or dunk. He also controls his body pretty well for a big and can knock down contested runners.
This is what makes Kevin Obanor (@_KevinObanor) nearly impossible to guard. On top of being the best 3-pt shooting forward in CBB, he makes defenders pay that over-commit along the perimeter & also uses his feel for the game to make smart cuts that free him up to attack the rim. pic.twitter.com/04mldoMsGV
— Texas Tech Hoops Insider (@TTUmbbinsider) July 21, 2021
The one question mark for Obanor heading into the 2021-22 season is how he can perform on the defensive side of the ball. It certainly wouldn’t surprise me to see Obanor make major strides defensively playing at Texas Tech.
Mark Adams has often made guys that are not known for defense look like elite defenders in the past. Obanor showed promising signs defending against Florida in last year’s NCAA tournament registering four steals which ended up being a season-high for him.