Texas Tech basketball: 5 Red Raiders we can’t wait to see in action
Freshman Richard “Pop” Isaacs
There’s no denying that the Texas Tech basketball program has been lacking when it comes to ball-dominant dynamic guards who can create their own offense. Fortunately, Mark Adams has brought in a few freshmen who are thought to be able to do just that.
One of those first-year additions is Richard “Pop” Isaacs who has recently started to receive a bit of hype. In fact, it isn’t crazy to think that the Las Vegas native could earn a starting spot in the Red Raider backcourt. In fact, Austin Massey of 247Sports Tweeted that Isaacs started at the off-guard position for the Red Raiders in their preseason scrimmage against Tulsa.
Interesting note - Heard Pop Isaacs started at the 2 today for Texas Tech 👀.
— Austin Massey (@austinmassey247) October 15, 2022
When he signed with Tech, Isaacs was a 4-star prospect and the No. 79 player in his class. According to 247Sports, he’s the 8th-highest-ranked player to ever sing with Tech out of high school.
Now, if Isaacs starts next to Oregon transfer De’Vion Harmon, it would give Tech two players with point guard skills in the starting lineup. But it would also mean that the starting backcourt would be rather small as neither player is over 6-foot-2.
On the other hand, it would give the offense some versatility by having more than one creator on the court. What’s more, Isaacs is a player who has a reputation for being able to knock down outside shots, something that Harmon isn’t necessarily known for.
It will be interesting to see what type of role Isaacs can carve out for himself this year. He’s got tons of talent and arrives with quite a bit of hype. It appears that despite missing most of the offseason due to injury, he is earning an opportunity to play early, and if he can make a quick adjustment to the college game, he could give Tech a dynamic guard to pair with Harmon in the backcourt.