Texas Tech Basketball Pursuing Transfer Anthony Tarke

Anthony Tarke, a guard who has played two seasons at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, has announced his intention to transfer and it appears Texas Tech is one of the programs showing significant interest.

One of the traits Chris Beard has demonstrated in his two years at Texas Tech is his relentlessness when it comes to improving his roster.  His constant churning of the roster has helped re-shape the team into a national contender in less time than almost anyone expected.

One avenue Beard has actively explored is the transfer market. Players like Tommy Hamilton and Brandone Francis were transfers he brought on board shortly after he was hired and now it appears he is trying to go that route with another potential impact player.

Anthony Tarke, a 6-foot-6, 205-pound sophomore from Gaithersburg, Maryland announced last week his intentions to transfer from the New Jersey Institute of Technology.  Almost immediately, he also let it be known that he had received a scholarship offer from Texas Tech.

Tarke was the team’s leading scorer last season at 15.6 points per game.  Though most fans are unaware of NJIT basketball, they can respect that Tarke scored 13 points at West Virginia, 19 at Rutgers, 12 at Buffalo, and 20 against Lipscomb.

This season, he scored in double-figures 24 times including nine games of 20 or more points.  All of the above teams are either Power-5 schools or NCAA Tournament teams proving that Tarke is capable of playing against top competition.

With a build that looks similar to that of Justin Gray, Tarke is an athletic player best described as a a slasher.  He gets most of his points by attacking the rim, something Chris Beard values in his motion offense.

Tarke is also an effective rebounder (6.2 per game) and defender (1.3 steals and 0.8 blocks per game).  What he does not do well is shoot the 3.  Last season, he made only 28% from deep but that did not deter him from hoisting 143 attempts.

It is important to note that Tarke will have to sit out the 2018-19 season if he transfers meaning he is being looked at as a possible replacement for Brandone Francis and maybe Zhaire Smith should he decide to turn pro.  Additionally, point guard Josh Webster will graduate following the upcoming season so there is a need for Beard to look at how he is going to replenish his roster following next year.

Tarke looks like he would be a natural fit in the Texas Tech motion offense.  He is active and shows a knack for moving without the ball (many of his highlights come off of back cuts or screens).  Defensively, he could be another physical wing defender capable of guarding numerous positions.  His highlights show a number of steals indicating a willingness to play on both ends of the court, something that is mandatory when playing for Beard.

Next: Top Five Texas Tech Basketball Games of 2017-18

There has been no word from Tarke about when he plans to make his decision.  Facing the prospect of sitting out next season, he can afford to take his time with this process.  But should he decide to come to Texas Tech, he would be a welcome addition.