Texas Tech basketball: Red Raiders that will be X-factors in 2023-24

Jan 7, 2023; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Robert Jennings (4) shoots over Oklahoma Sooners forward Jacob Groves (34) in the first half at United Supermarkets Arena. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2023; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Robert Jennings (4) shoots over Oklahoma Sooners forward Jacob Groves (34) in the first half at United Supermarkets Arena. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Texas Tech’s forward Robert Jennings (4) prepares to shoot the ball against Oklahoma in a Big 12 basketball game, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, at United Supermarkets Arena.
Texas Tech’s forward Robert Jennings (4) prepares to shoot the ball against Oklahoma in a Big 12 basketball game, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, at United Supermarkets Arena. /

Robert Jennings needs to give Texas Tech a presence in the paint

Let’s begin by looking at one of the returnees from last season, Robert Jennings.  That’s because the sophomore could fill an important role this season.

If there is one great concern about the collection of talent that McCasland has assembled, it is that it is lacking size in the post.  In fact, no Red Raiders other than 7-foot Arizona State transfer Warren Washington is over 6-foot-8.

While at 6-foot-7, Jennings isn’t the typical post player, he will likely be one of the big men McCasland turns to when Washington needs a breather or gets in foul trouble.  That’s because the 225-pounder is able to use his broad frame to carve out space in the paint.

Last season, Jennings was only used in small spurts.  In 30 appearances, he averaged just 8.7 minutes per game, and only 11 times did he log 10 minutes or more.

As you might expect, his stats were rather modest.  Putting up 2.7 points and 1.9 rebounds per game, he wasn’t necessarily as needed last year given that Tech had two 7-footers in Daniel Batcho and Fardaws Aimaq as well as 6-foot-8  forward Kevin Obanor.

This year, he could be more of a factor in the paint, though.  That’s where his skills are best utilized given that he’s not by any means a player who is going to use athleticism and skill to make a difference (like many 6-foot-7 players can).

Instead, his best asset is his physical strength.  That when combined with the fearlessness and relentlessness that he displayed when he did see the court last year makes him a potential asset for McCasland, who will be trying to find ways to man the post when Washington is on the bench.

Remember, Jennings did enter the portal this offseason and he took a visit to Virginia before deciding to return to the Red Raiders.  So Tech is fortunate to still have him on the roster. While he isn’t likely to ever be a star during his college career given that he doesn’t have elite ball-handling or shooting abilities, he could be one of those glue guys that every good team needs because he will do the dirty work like rebounding, blocking out, or taking charges.

If Jennings doesn’t take a step forward in his second year on campus, it will force McCasland to turn to players to battle in the post, players that don’t likely possess Jennings’ physical strength.  So keep an eye on how this still-developing player improves in 2023-24 because there is a need for someone who can provide what we think he might be able to.