Busting Brackets
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Texas Tech Basketball: 2022-23 keys to upsetting the Kansas Jayhawks

By Tristan Freeman

Dec 31, 2022; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders guard De'Vion Harmon (23) reacts during the second half against the TCU Horned Frogs at Ed and Rae Schollmaier Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2022; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders guard De'Vion Harmon (23) reacts during the second half against the TCU Horned Frogs at Ed and Rae Schollmaier Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Pop Isaacs #2 of the Texas Tech Basketball (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
Pop Isaacs #2 of the Texas Tech Basketball (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) /

2. Win the backcourt battle

As good as Obanor and Batcho has been overall, the best scenario for the Red Raiders is to break even against Wilson and the other frontcourt players. There’s also freshman Gradey Dick, who is second on the team with 14.8 ppg, while shooting nearly 50% from three-point range. He’ll be the toughest test for Jaylon Tyson this season on the wing but his size could bother the dynamic freshman.

The one area where Texas Tech could have the advantage is in the backcourt. The starting perimeter of Kevin McCullar and Dajaun Harris is very strong defensively but limited offensively. McCullar, who is a former Red Raider, has been inconsistent with his scoring at times, though is averaging around 14 ppg in his last seven outings. Harris is more of a distributor but it’s important to make sure he doesn’t rack up the assists and get everyone in a position to go off.

Taking into account the competition, Pop Isaacs had his best game in a Texas Tech uniform. The freshman guard is averaging 10.4 ppg and 2.7 apg as a starter, shooting better from three-point range (42%) than he does from inside the arc (37%). He’s been inconsistent with his scoring production but the performance he did against TCU is a nice sign that Big 12 defenses won’t bother him much.

Isaacs is a freshman so the pressure will be on the senior veteran DeVion Harmon. The transfer from Oregon is averaging 12.2 ppg on 47% from the field but is just 8/33 from three-point range. Harmon is averaging a career-high 3.9 apg on the season and has solidified the point guard position for Texas Tech. His own scoring has historically been inconsistent as well but is averaging 15.4 ppg in the last five outings.

The Red Raiders will need the starting guards to produce but the other guards, such as D’maurian Williams, Lamar Washington, and Kerwin Walton, will need to contribute as well. Even in limited minutes off the bench, a few threes from these guys could be the difference in a low-scoring game.

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