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Texas Tech Squarely In The Mix For 4-Star 2018 Point Guard

By Matthew Conner

LUBBOCK, TX - FEBRUARY 24: The Texas Tech Red Raiders mascot 'Raider Red' poses next to the stage during ESPN's College Game Day prior to the game between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Kansas Jayhawks on February 24, 2018 at United Supermarket Arena in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TX - FEBRUARY 24: The Texas Tech Red Raiders mascot 'Raider Red' poses next to the stage during ESPN's College Game Day prior to the game between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Kansas Jayhawks on February 24, 2018 at United Supermarket Arena in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /
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Texas Tech appears to be in the mix for three-star point guard Isaac Likekele of Mansfield, Texas who could be added to fill the scholarship left by the departure of Zhaire Smith.

With the departure of six members of last season’s basketball team, there figured to be plenty of roster moves at Texas Tech this offseason.  One name to keep any eye on is Isaac Likekele, a talented point guard who has emerged on the Red Raiders’ radar in recent weeks.

The three-star point guard was originally committed to Fresno State, even signing with the Bulldogs in November.  However, when Fresno head coach Rodney Terry left to take over at UTEP, Likekele decided to explore his options and was granted his release.

Now, Texas Tech has emerged as a strong contender to land the 6-foot-4, 190-pounder.  As a top 150 player in the nation and a top 10 player in Texas, Likekele has had numerous schools vying for his services.

Oklahoma State, UTEP, Central Michigan, Cal Poly, Fresno, Texas A&M, Ole Miss, Marquette and Purdue have all shown significant interest but he has paired his list to Tech, OSU and UTEP.  This weekend, Likekele is in El Paso for an official visit and he is reportedly headed to Lubbock next weekend.

As one might expect, Likekele is high on Texas Tech head coach Chris Beard.  In fact, his recent comments seem to suggest he was impressed with what Beard was able to do with freshmen Zhaire Smith and Jarrett Culver this season.

"“He lets people play while they’re young.” he told 247Sports.com. “Also, players excel in his program which I like. I believe everything he’s saying, yet again, once I go up there and see the facilities and campus and all that it will just go on from there, where my decision is.”"

Should Likekele become a Red Raider, he would join a crowded backcourt.  Though Texas Tech is looking to replace star point guard Keenan Evans, there are already a number of capable options ready to step in.

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Sophomore point guard Davide Morretti will be competing with high school signee Kyler Edwards and Missouri transfer C.J. Roberts for minutes at the point guard position.  Plus, Culver spent significant time in that role as a freshman and could see increased minutes running the offense moving forward.

Additionally, Texas Tech is still in the mix for graduate transfer point guard Ehab Amin of Texas A&M Corpus Christi.  However,  it seems that Likekele is Beard’s preference over Amin as he would potentially have four years to give Texas Tech rather than one.

The signing period for college basketball prospects is now open and with the summer approaching, there’s reason to believe that Likekele will be making his decision soon.

"“After all three visits I’ll come back, talk to my family and we’ll decide when the date should be made. If we feel like we know which place is home we’re going to make it quick”  he said."

Next: How Texas Tech Could Try To Replace Zhaire Smith

This is the type of player Texas Tech would have struggled to even receive a visit from prior to Beard’s arrival.  Now, Red Raider fans expect to be in on all of the best players from Texas and with Beard and his staff at work, Tech fans have every confidence that they will land them.

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