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Texas Tech basketball: 5 Red Raiders we can’t wait to see in action

By Matthew Conner

LUBBOCK, TEXAS - JANUARY 08: Center Daniel Batcho #4 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders dunks the ball during the first half of the college basketball game against the Kansas Jayhawks at United Supermarkets Arena on January 08, 2022 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TEXAS - JANUARY 08: Center Daniel Batcho #4 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders dunks the ball during the first half of the college basketball game against the Kansas Jayhawks at United Supermarkets Arena on January 08, 2022 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) /
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Mar 18, 2022; San Diego, CA, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Daniel Batcho (4) boxes out Montana State Bobcats guard Tyler Patterson (11) during the first round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2022; San Diego, CA, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Daniel Batcho (4) boxes out Montana State Bobcats guard Tyler Patterson (11) during the first round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

Sophomore Daniel Batcho

So far, every player on this list has been a newcomer to the program.  That’s in large part because Tech is bringing back only two players from last season’s team.

However, one of those returnees, sophomore Daniel Batcho, is a player that Texas Tech fans can’t wait to see.  That’s because there has been considerable hype about the 7-footer this offseason.

In fact, recently, Mark Adams gushed about Batcho’s improvement.

"“And I’m excited for you guys and our fans to just see that when we start playing games, but Daniel Batcho is one that has really, just a different player than he was last year,” Adams said in late September. “… I’ve told several others and I think our coaching staff agrees, I think Daniel’s got a chance to play in the NBA in the next couple of years. We feel that he’s improved that much.”"

For a player to go from what Batcho was as a redshirt freshman in 2021-22 to being mentioned as a future NBA player is quite the leap.  After all, the Paris, France native was able to put up just 2.2 points and 2.7 rebounds while playing only 9.9 minutes per game a season ago.

Still, Tech fans could see the former 4-star recruit’s potential and he quickly became a fan favorite despite his limited action.  But now, it is worth wondering just how big of a jump he could make in one offseason.

Last season, his biggest offensive output was eight points, a feat he achieved only twice and only against Alabama State and Incarnate Word.  Against major-conference opponents, his greatest showing was six points against both Mississippi State and West Virginia.

Tech will need more from him this season, especially with transfer center Fardaws Aimaq out for multiple months with a broken foot.  So if Batcho is ready for a big-time role this season, he’s going to get his shot to prove it.  In fact, Tech’s success may largely depend on how much improvement he’s made from last year.

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