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Texas Tech basketball: Top questions facing Red Raiders during the offseason

By Matthew Conner

AUSTIN, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 08: Kevin McCullar #15 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders plays defense against the Texas Longhorns at The Frank Erwin Center on February 08, 2020 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Chris Covatta/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 08: Kevin McCullar #15 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders plays defense against the Texas Longhorns at The Frank Erwin Center on February 08, 2020 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Chris Covatta/Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – MARCH 23: Keenan Evans
BOSTON, MA – MARCH 23: Keenan Evans /

Will Beard bring in a true point guard?

We all know that Chris Beard loves positionless players.  His schemes on both ends of the floor require players to do it all and not just play specialized roles like players of previous generations.

Still, this team needs a true point guard or at least a player that can function as such when the game is on the line.  It was evident in all of this season’s close losses that Tech was hurt by not having a player who could execute the offense and create off the dribble in crunch time.

Though we saw last year’s team get to the National Title Game without a typical point guard, both Jarrett Culver and Matt Mooney had the skills to do what a point guard does.  Thus, the offense was in great hands when the game was on the line.

This offseason, it might be wise for Beard to go find a point guard to run the show.  That’s because his three best guards, Moretti, Ramsey, and Kyler Edwards are better when playing off the ball.  Additionally, the three high school players he has signed are wings rather than point guards.  In fact, the only point guard on the roster is Nadolny, and he does not seem ready to be Tech’s primary ball-handler.

Sometimes we forget how important a point guard is because Beard’s motion offense does not ask just one player to initiate the offense nor does it require teams to run many set plays with clearly defined roles.  But in crucial times, Tech needs to have a player that can be trusted with the ball and who can take over.

We saw Keenan Evans flourish under Chris Beard and become arguably the best point guard in program history.  While it isn’t likely that another player of his caliber is out there to be had, Beard should look for that style of player because a pure point guard would help Tech improve in late-game situations.

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