Texas Tech basketball: What we want to see from Red Raiders vs. TAMU-CC

A backup big man must emerge for Texas Tech

I try not to worry too much about a basketball team after only two games.  However, when one of the offseason’s greatest concerns proves to be an issue right out of the gate, it is hard to ignore.

That’s the case with this team’s depth in the post.  Arizona State transfer Warren Washington has been as advertised thus far but when he’s had to leave the floor, it hasn’t been pretty for the Red Raiders.

So far, the two more traditional post players getting chances to spell Washington have been sophomore Robert Jennings and true freshman Eemeli Yalaho.  Unfortunately, neither has impressed.

It’s easy to be more disappointed in Jennings.  He saw some decent playing time last season and on occasion he displayed useable skills, especially when it came to strength, rebounding, and defense.

However, this year, he’s looked out of sorts when he’s seen the floor.  He’s yet to score a basket and he’s grabbed only three total boards in two games.  Of course, he’s seen only ten total minutes of game time, a sign that this coaching staff has not been pleased with what he’s given them.

Yalaho hasn’t done any better, though.  He’s played 11 total minutes and scored just one field goal while grabbing no rebounds.  When he’s been on the floor, it seems as if the game is simply moving too fast for him (and that was in games against mid and low-major programs).

Can either of these young big men give Tech any hope that they can play a reserve role behind Washington?  Or, will Tech have to play a guard-heavy small-ball lineup with 6-foot-6 Devan Cambridge as the team’s biggest player when Washington is on the bench?

Tonight, it would be beautiful to see Jennings or Yalaho take a step forward.  No one is asking them to be All-Big 12 performers but we would all feel much better about this team if one of them could at least prove worthy of some rotational minutes on a nightly basis.