Texas Tech basketball: Chris Beard talks about his 2020 signing class
Micah Peavy: 6-foot-7, 172-pounds from Duncanville, Texas
Whenever a head coach takes over the primary recruiting role for a player, it should tell everyone just how important that player is to the program’s future. That was the case with Chris Beard and Duncanville, Texas forward Micah Peavy, who has been Beard’s top priority for over a year.
"“So proud to be Micah’s coach and for him to choose Texas Tech,” Beard said. “This guy’s one of the best players, not only in Texas but the whole country.”"
The No. 43 player in the nation and No. 2 prospect in Texas, Peavy is as polished of a recruit as one could ever look for. Growing up with a long-time high school coach as a father typically results in a fantastic understanding of the game and that’s what Peavy possesses.
"“Average size for his skill set, but has good core strength and is a smooth athlete with burst. Expertise is scoring off the dribble inside the arc. Shooting range is limited. Handles ball adequately and is a tough rebounder. Also is a quality and versatile defender. Could become an NBA player with development,” writes Jerry Meyer."
His knowledge of the game could make him a potential point guard (as much as there is such a thing in Beard’s motion offense). His experience running the show for his father at Duncanville could allow Beard to utilize him as a primary ball-handler which would create a matchup nightmare given that he’s 6-foot-7.
Peavy has no glaring holes in his game but his outside shooting could stand to improve a bit; he was just a 19% shooter from 3-point range as a junior last season. He also will benefit from being in a college strength and conditioning program. In order to be able to finish at the rim in the Big 12, he’s going to need to add some muscle to his lanky frame.
"“He can play multiple positions,” Beard said. “He’s a special guy. He can score, he can pass, he can defend, he can score at all three levels.”"
Many fans are already comparing Peavy’s game with Jarrett Culver’s. Peavy is already a bit bigger than Culver was at this point of his development but they both possess excellent but not elite athleticism while having the ability to do anything the game calls for on both ends of the floor.
It appears like Beard also highly values Peavy for his intangibles. Of course, Beard’s 4:1 mantra is derived from a Bob Knight saying that the mental aspect of the game is to the physical as 4 is to 1 and it sounds like Peavy might already grasp that concept.
"“He’s been coached at a high level,” Beard said. “His high school coach, David Peavy, has been doing it for a long time and has coached Micah how to play and compete and win and play possession-by-possession.”"