Texas Tech basketball: Three players that Red Raiders need more from

Marcus Santos-Silva has to give Tech something in the paint

It will be imperative for Tech to be able to count on getting something from senior forward Marcus Santos-Silva moving forward.  But so far, there’s reason to be concerned about his ability to give his team some offensive punch against quality opponents.

Like Edwards, the VCU transfer was shutout against Kansas.  In 19 minutes of play, he took only two shots and grabbed just five rebounds while collecting four fouls.

It was also his second game this year to struggle against a ranked team.  Against Houston, he had just four points and five rebounds in 24 minutes of action.  Also that day, he turned the ball over six times.

Before you start to think that the step-up in competition is to blame here, keep in mind that at VCU, Santos-Silva had some excellent games against teams from one of the six major conferences.

In 2019, he had 22 points and 11 rebounds against a very good Tennessee team.  A few weeks later, he had 19 points against Purdue out of the Big 10.  Also that season, he put up 17 points and 11 boards against LSU.

Right now, it appears that Tech hasn’t quite figured out how to get Santos-Silva involved in the offense.  After all, he’s a different type of forward than this offense is accustomed to featuring as his only offensive game comes on the blocks with his back to the basket.  That’s not typical of the motion offense.

But Tech would be wise to run some sets for Santos-Silva to isolate in the post and go to work down low.  He’s also a good passer out of the post and he could help free up some shooters for looks from deep if he starts to command a double team down low.  But however it happens, the Red Raiders must get their big man going.