23. Texas Tech (2-0)
The new era in Texas Tech hasn’t been perfect, but Grant McCasland got these Red Raiders back to the Big Dance last year and has them in fine shape moving forward. Texas Tech has recent history, but this year’s squad wants to make history of their own. It’s a strong unit in decent shape to be competitive in an even stronger Big 12, though we may not know just how strong for a few weeks.
It’s an easy stretch to begin their season, starting with Tuesday’s 94-61 win over Bethune-Cookman. All five starters scored in double figures, led by 21 points from Kerwin Walton in a great offensive performance. The Red Raiders leaned heavily on their starters again on Friday, securing an 86-65 victory against Northwestern State. JT Toppin was the standout this time around, with the transfer putting up 25 points and 7 rebounds for his new squad.
It’ll be difficult to be blown away by Texas Tech, who aren’t exactly playing a murderer’s row of a nonconference schedule. The rotation doesn’t look very deep right off the bat, though the starting lineup is full of talent and experience. The Red Raiders have the talent to win important games in the Big 12, but can they hang with the top teams on a regular basis? Next week won’t really answer that question, as they host Wyoming for game three of the season.