Texas Tech Basketball: 3 impact takeaways from Fardaws Aimaq injury

1. Look for Daniel Batcho to step in as the new starting center

The loss of Aimaq creates some frontcourt depth issues, particularly at the center position. Not only is the UVU transfer out but the absence of Marcus Santos-Silva, who started two years ago and provided depth off the bench last season, is going to be felt also. This leaves the frontcourt depth of returning starting forward Kevin Obanor, three-star freshman forward Robert Jennings, and Daniel Batcho.

Batcho is now the lone true healthy center on the team, listed at 6’11 and around 250 pounds. He started his career at Arizona but ultimately redshirted before transferring. Last season, he averaged 2.2 ppg and 2.7 rpg in fewer than 10 mpg off the bench. His playing fluctuated between 15-20 mpg at times and barely got on the court other times.

But Batcho did look very impressive when he was given time on the court. He had double-digit rebounds against Tennessee and Omaha while playing impressive defense against Drew Timme of Gonzaga when those teams matched up last season. The big man may not be much of an offensive threat but as a defender and rebounder, should be able to hold down the center position for 20-25 mpg while Aimaq is out.

He’s also a good example of why teams should have depth at every position because as far as backups go, Texas Tech could certainly do worse than Batcho.