Texas Tech basketball makes the cut for No. 1 player in 2021 class

The Texas Tech basketball program remains in the mix for the No. 1 player in the 2021 class, Jonathan Kuminga, who has a close connection to the Red Raiders.

Following the world of recruiting is certainly keeping Texas Tech basketball fans busy these days.  That’s because less than a week after 4-star guard Micah Peavy committed to the program and two days prior to the day when 5-star target Nimari Burnett announced a date for his commitment, the top player in the class of 2021, Jonathan Kuminga, included the Red Raiders in his top 10.

The 6-foot-8 forward from New Jersey is also still considering Duke, Kentucky, Washington, Florida State, Memphis, Michigan, Georgia, Mayland, and Auburn.  But there’s an interesting connection working in Tech’s favor.

His older brother is Joel Ntambwe, a sophomore on this year’s Red Raider team who is awaiting word on the status of his eligibility waiver request with the NCAA.   Ntambwe started last year as a true freshman at UNLV where he averaged over 11 points per game but when the Rebels fired their head coach, Marvin Menzies, Ntambwe decided to pursue other opportunities.

As for Kuminga, his opportunities are limitless.  He’s the highest-rated player Tech has ever been in the mix for and already one of the best high school players in the nation despite being only a junior.

"Brian Snow of 247Sports has the following scouting report: Already at 6-foot-8 with extremely long arms, he is beginning to put his skill game together. Length, athleticism, and versatility are his strengths. Has shown the ability to get into the lane and rebounds well. Is capable of guarding multiple positions, and also blocking shots. Needs to continue to get better with his outside shot, and if that comes he should be nearly impossible to guard. His upside is through the roof, and he is just now beginning to figure out how good he can become. He should hear his name called early in the NBA draft when decides to make that move.”"

Many believe that Ntambwe is also a potential NBA prospect who may not exhaust his college eligibility before making the jump to the next level.  But should he remain on campus for the 2021-22 season, which will be either his senior or redshirt junior season depending on how his waiver request is ruled, he could team up with his younger brother to form the core of Red Raider basketball for at least one season.

"According to Chris Fisher of CatsPause.com, “Playing for the NY Renaissance, Kuminga averaged 22.7 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game on the Nike EYBL circuit last travel season, where he was named Second Team All-EYBL by D1 Circuit. In May, Kuminga made 17 of 24 shots, including 7 of 11 three-pointers and scored 43 points in a 92-87 los to 5-stars Cade Cunningham, Greg Brown and the Texas Titans, who finished the regular season at a league-best 12-1.”"

Of course, there is quite a bit of time before this recruiting race is settled.  But Red Raider fans have certainly learned to never count out Chris Beard.