Christian Anderson to have another opportunity to grow his game this summer

It is hard to imagine now, but a year ago, Christian Anderson was a virtual unknown to Texas Tech basketball fans. This time last summer, he was just a promising young recruit who garnered little fanfare despite being a four-star high school prospect. In fact, he didn't commit to Tech until May 20, 2024. However, when Anderson made a splash on the international scene, many Red Raiders began to take notice of his game. Now, it appears he'll play for Germany once again this offseason.

It has been announced that Anderson is part of the preliminary team for Germany in the FIBA Under-19 tournament. Though he is from Atlanta, Georgia, he is eligible to play for the German team because his father, Christian Anderson Sr., was born in Germany.

Anderson has significant international experience playing for his father's native land. In 2022, he played for the Germany youth team and was named the MVP of the FIBA U16 European Championship after leading the team to the Division B title.

Then, last summer, Anderson led Germany to the FIBA U18 European championship. In that tournament, he averaged 14 points, 2.1 assists, and 2.4 steals per game.

Now, Anderson will get the opportunity to develop his game further by taking a step up on the international stage. That's only going to be good news for the budding Red Raider star.

Technically, Anderson still has to make the German squad. Currently, he's one of 14 players vying for a roster spot, but given that he was named to the All-Star Five of last summer's U18 tournament, it is hard to imagine that German head coach Alan Ibrahimagic won't want him on this team as well.

When Anderson made an impact for Germany last summer, it was the first indication that he was on the verge of becoming an instant contributor for the Red Raiders. It was the precursor to his true freshman college season, one in which he averaged 10.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game in 35 appearances. Those numbers were good enough to garner Big 12 All-Freshman team honors.

Now, could a strong summer with Germany propel Anderson to an even better sophomore campaign in Lubbock? It is not hard to fathom that being the case.

In 2025-26, Anderson will take on a larger role for the Red Raiders. With the graduation of starting guards Chance McMillian and Kerwin Walton (as well as the possible graduation of point guard Elijah Fisher, who is currently waiting to see if the NCAA will grant a fifth year of eligibility to players across the board), it means that Anderson will be thrust into a lead role for Texas Tech head coach Grant McCasland.

Therefore, any experience Anderson can gain leading a team on a big stage will be invaluable. That's what he will likely receive from the German U19 team this summer, and it could propel him to another excellent season in the Big 12.

The tournament will run from June 28 to July 6. Hopefully, it will be another stellar event for Anderson, who is emerging as a foundational piece for the Texas Tech basketball program, thanks in large part to the experience he has gained on the international stage.