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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Pop Isaacs Texas Tech Basketball (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) /

2. Team needs more from everyone not named Pop Isaacs in the backcourt

As hard as it is to look toward the future considering the present-day results, Texas Tech can be happy that it has its guard for the next few years in Isaacs, who has been one of the standout freshmen in the Big 12. After a slow start to the season offensively, the talented playmaker has become the clear lead guard for the team.

In the first four games in Big 12 play (missed one other due to a concussion), Isaacs averaged 17.0 ppg on 37% shooting from the field, including a 23-point effort on the road at Texas. He’s shooting nearly 40% from three-point range on nearly 10 attempts and along with Tyson is among the best shooters on the roster.

Against Baylor, Isaacs had 14 points and five assists in 34 minutes, making 3/13 from three-point range. A case then is made that he settles at times to take a perimeter shot but right now, he’s the only guard that’s giving you something offensively (view Tyson as a wing/forward). And considering that he also has to guard an all-league level guard almost every night on the opposing end, that’s a lot to put on the freshman’s plate.

Assuming that he’s going nowhere after this season, Isaacs is someone that the Red Raiders can build around for the future. They’ve had some other disappointing newcomers but this freshman was a big and important find by the coaching staff.

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