Texas Tech basketball: How notable coaches other than Beard did in their fourth year

Gerald Myers went 18-8

The modern era of Texas Tech basketball dates back to the Gerald Myers era, which began in 1971-72 when he was named permanent head coach.  But by his fourth season in charge, he had taken his team to the NCAA Tournament just once and had yet to win a game in the event.   After that season, he had an overall mark of 68-47 (0.591).

In his fourth season, 1974-75, his team put together a respectable 18-8 record.  That included an 11-3 record in conference play, which was good for a second-place tie in the Southwest Conference but it was not good enough to get his team into the postseason.  Of course, we have to keep in mind that at that time, the NCAA Tournament field was just 32 teams making it much more difficult to earn a bid.

Tech actually got off to a tough start that year at just 3-3.  But by the time conference play rolled around, Myers had his team playing well.

In fact, the Red Raiders won ten of their last 11 games.  The only loss during that span was 60-55 setback in Waco.

Leading the way for Myers’ team was one of the best players in program history, Rick Bullock.  Averaging 20.9 points per game, the junior also pulled down 11 rebounds to average a double-double in what was one of the best seasons in Texas Tech basketball history.

It was a bit of a slower burn for Myers that it has been for Beard in the first four years.  But a year later, he would take his team to the SWC title and an appearance in the Sweet 16.

Eventually, Myers would help establish Texas Tech basketball as a true power in the SWC as he would capture three SWC titles.  But by his fourth year, he had yet to have a breakthrough season.