Texas Tech basketball: 5 surprises so far in 2020-21 season

Edward’s struggles

Kyler Edwards didn’t make the type of progress last year that we often expect of a sophomore as his adjusted stats were essentially the same across the board.  But this year, most believed he would take the proverbial next step as a junior.  Unfortunately, that has yet to be the case and now many are wondering if he will do so at all or if he has hit his ceiling.

So far, the Arlington native is scoring 13.1 points per 40 minutes.  That’s actually down around a half-a-point from last season.  But where we thought we’d see the most improvement is actually an area in which he’s continued to disappoint.

After being just a 32.2% 3-point shooter as a sophomore, the belief was that Edwards would be a significantly better outside weapon this year.  The theory was that a decreased offensive workload, one in which Edwards didn’t have to facilitate as much of the offense as he did a year ago, would make him a better long-range marksman but it hasn’t.

Despite the fact that his usage rate has fallen from 20.2% to 17.5%, his 3-point shooting has only risen to 34.8%.  Tech needs him to shoot better than that given that this roster is lacking when it comes to outside shooting.

Edwards went 2-4 from deep on Tuesday against Incarnate Word.  That put an end to a 7-25 stretch that extended over his previous five games.

Also Tech’s most experienced player when it comes to playing for Chris Beard, Edwards was expected to be more of a stalwart against tougher competition.  However, against the three major opponents this year’s team has faced thus far, he’s scored just eight total points.

For this team to contend for a Big 12 title and more, Edwards has to be better than he has been thus far.  And the fact that many of his struggles from last year have carried over to this year has to be one of this year’s most unpleasant surprises.