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Texas Tech basketball: What to watch for from Red Raiders in the Bahamas

By Matthew Conner

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - APRIL 08: Kyler Edwards #0 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders reacts against the Virginia Cavaliers in the second half during the 2019 NCAA men's Final Four National Championship game at U.S. Bank Stadium on April 08, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - APRIL 08: Kyler Edwards #0 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders reacts against the Virginia Cavaliers in the second half during the 2019 NCAA men's Final Four National Championship game at U.S. Bank Stadium on April 08, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Which freshmen are able to separate themselves from the pack?

With seven freshmen on the roster, the competition for immediate playing time is going to be fierce given that the incoming class is the best in program history.  But Beard is not going to play a 12-man rotation this fall meaning that at some point, some of these young players will have to rise above their classmates.

We are all excited to see what 5-star signee Jahmius Ramsey looks like now that he is finally in a Red Raider uniform.  The No. 32 player in the nation in 2019 is the highest-rated player to ever sign with Tech and he will likely be in the mix for a starting role this year. Let’s see if he has developed a consistent enough outside shot to compliment his freakish athleticism which reminds some of Zhaire Smith.

Terrence Shannon should also get plenty of run this week.  The No. 88 player in his class has impressed with his intensity in practice and figures to be a defensive asset.  In the Bahamas, it would be encouraging to see his offensive game show signs of being Big 12 ready as well.

Many Red Raider fans are also looking forward to what 7-foot-1 Russel Tchewa will bring to the court.  If he shows that he is nimble enough to guard multiple positions on the court like last year’s big men did and he is able to be a reliable component of the offense (all we ask is that he crash the offensive boards and not turn the ball over), we will all feel much more at ease about Tech’s ability to compete in the post this season.

Meanwhile, it will be fun to finally get to see redshirt freshmen Andre Savrasov and Kevin McCullar Jr. in action after both joined the program in January only to sit out the semester.  We have seen virtually nothing of Savrasov because he played his high school ball in Russia but many inside the program have been impressed by his showings in practice over the past six months.

Finally, point guard Clarence Nadolny and power forward Tyreek Smith need to have solid showings as well.  They too will be looking to scratch out a spot in a crowded rotation after arriving with considerable expectations.

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