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Texas Tech basketball to host 4-star 2019 forward Tyreek Smith

By Matthew Conner

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - APRIL 08: Texas Tech Red Raiders fans cheer prior to the 2019 NCAA men's Final Four National Championship game against the Virginia Cavaliers at U.S. Bank Stadium on April 08, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - APRIL 08: Texas Tech Red Raiders fans cheer prior to the 2019 NCAA men's Final Four National Championship game against the Virginia Cavaliers at U.S. Bank Stadium on April 08, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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It is being reported that the Texas Tech basketball program will be hosting 4-star 2019 high school forward Tyreek Smith for an official visit this weekend.

Texas Tech basketball head coach Chris Beard is still trying to capitalize on his team’s unprecedented run to the Final Four by stocking his roster with another top-150 prospect in the class of 2019.  After already signing Jahmius Ramsey (No. 31 overall according to 247Sports) and Terrance Shannon (No. 83) Tyreek Smith, the No. 140 player in the class, is set to visit Lubbock this weekend according to Jake Weingarten of Stockrisers.com.

A former commit to Texas A&M who decomitted following the firing of Billy Kennedy, the 6-foot-8 forward from Cedar Hill holds offers from schools such as Oklahoma, Florida, Houston, LSU, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, TCU, Baylor and Virginia Tech.  He reportedly took a visit to Houston last weekend and now, it will be the Red Raiders’ turn to put their best foot forward.

According to MaxPreps.com, the 205-pounder  averaged 19.3 points, 12.7 rebounds and 3.4 blocks per game this season.  And judging by one scouting report, he could be a nice compliment to what Beard already has on the roster.

"Jerry Meyer of 247Sports.com has the following evaluation:  “High-level athlete with solid size for position. Quick off floor as rebounder and shot blocker. Plays with a competitive motor. Not a ball handler, but is a finisher. Energy, defender and rebounder type. Does need to build up body and get stronger. Limited range at this point.”"

With the loss of Norense Odiase, the Red Raiders will be looking for another physical player in the post who is willing to battle for rebounds and do the dirty work that often goes unnoticed.  It was thought that Josh Mballa could eventually fill that role for Beard but the native of France proved to be a rather long way from being ready to contribute looking completely overwhelmed in his 17 appearances as a freshman.  Now, it is fair to question if he will return next year or if he may seek more playing time with another program.

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Tech looks to have plenty of scoring at the power forward position next year with JUCO signee Khalid Thomas (8.6 p.p.g. in 2018-19) and freshman Andrei Savrasov from Russia, who has impressed those inside the program with his all-around game since joining the program in January as a redshirt.

That’s not to suggest that Smith would not be able to score next season.  But whereas Thomas and Savrasov are more likely to get their offense on the perimeter and are likely to be comfortable with the ball in their hands, Smith (who shot 61% from the field as a senior) attempted only six 3-point shots this season and looks to be the type of player that will get his offense the hard way, through hustle and hard work in the paint.

Tech has been looking for some help in the post with the graduations of Odiase and Tariq Owens.  But thus far, they have lost out on 6-foot-10 grad transfer Yanni Wetzell who has decided to transfer to San Diego state from Vanderbilt after visiting Tech.

And the Red Raiders have also hosted 6-foot-8 grad transfer T.J. Holyfield from Stephen F. Austin. But given that he has yet to commit to the Red Raiders despite having visited almost three weeks ago may suggest that Tech is not the favorite for his services.

Now, one must wonder if the visit from Smith is another indication of Tech’s feelings about landing Holyfield (or another difference-making grad transfer at the forward position).  It is believed that Beard would prefer to bring in at least one grad transfer because as of right now, there are no seniors on next season’s roster.

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But perhaps Beard will be willing to play the youth game next year given the pursuit of Smith and 5-star point guard R.J. Hampton from Little Elm.  After all, he could do far worse than having potentially four top-150 prospects on the court together.  One thing seems certain though; with the basketball spring signing date of May 15 quickly approaching, we will likely see quite a bit of movement on the recruiting front in the upcoming days and Wreck ‘Em Red will be here to break it all down.

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