Counting down the Texas Tech basketball program's five greatest one-year transfers

Topping our list is a player so unique that Red Raider fans are still looking for the next version of him to come along. Tariq Owens was the anchor of a historically good Red Raider defense in 2018-19 and that's why he is the best one-year transfer the program has seen.

The 6-foot-11 center was as lanky and bouncy as any player to ever don the Double T. He also had an unusually long wing span, even for a player of his height. As a result, he set the Texas Tech single-season record for blocks with 92.

Owens averaged 9.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game after transferring in from St. John's. He was named All-Big 12 Defensive Team honoree along with Mooney as the Red Raiders had one of the best defensive seasons in the history of college hoops.

Unfortunately, Owens' story will always end with a "what if", though. He rolled his ankle in the Final Four against Michigan State and was able to play only 22 limited minutes against Virginia in the National Championship Game.

Many Red Raider fans will forever believe that if Owens had been healthy for that final game, the outcome against the Cavilers would have been much different. Still, Owens is fondly remembered by Red Raiders who pine for another player with his skill set to arrive in Lubbock. He is the best center the program has had since Tony Battie and he became a Red Raider icon in just one short but spectacular season with the program.