Texas Tech Basketball: 5 takeaways from 0-6 start to Big 12 play

AMES, IA - JANUARY 10: Head coach Mark Adams of the Texas Tech Red Raiders coaches from the bench in the first half of play at Hilton Coliseum on January 10, 2023 in Ames, Iowa. The Iowa State Cyclones won 84-50 over the Texas Tech Red Raiders. (Photo by David K Purdy/Getty Images) /

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Fardaws Aimaq Texas Tech Basketball (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) /

1. Return of Fardaws Aimaq gives Red Raiders a sliver of hope

One of the things that have hurt Texas Tech Basketball was not having a starter and projected impact player on the court for most of the season. Fardaws Aimaq was one of the top transfers this offseason and is a former Conference and Defensive Player of the Year at Utah Valley.

A foot injury caused the center to miss the first 16 games of the season but he made his return last weekend against Texas. Coming off the bench, Aimaq scored 12 points and five rebounds in 29 minutes and looked good after a long layoff.

He started last night against Baylor, producing 12 points and nine rebounds in 24 minutes while hitting a three-pointer. The spacing he provides and that he’s an offensive upgrade over Daniel Batcho should benefit the team overall. It’ll be interesting to see how this affects Batcho’s production, as he was a double-digit scorer and defensive anchor while Aimaq was out.

But Texas Tech needs all the help it can get and will just figure out how to work with those two and Kevin Obannor in the frontcourt. Having Aimaq certainly helps matters, but you just have to wonder if it’s too late.

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