What Texas Tech basketball still needs from the transfer portal
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A difference-making power forward would round out this Texas Tech roster
While Tech needs to add another player around 7-feet-tall, bringing in a power forward is also going to be essential. Fortunately, there are two nice options in play for the Red Raiders.
This weekend, Mountain West Conference Player of the Year, Great Osobor is supposed to be on campus for an official visit. Last year, the 6-foot-8 native of England averaged 17.7 points 9.0 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game for Utah State.
Another power forward Tech is reportedly courting is JT Toppin from New Mexico. The 6-foot-9 sophomore-to-be put up 12.4 points and 9.1 rebounds per game for the Lobos a season ago.
Which of these players you covet depends on what you prefer from the position. Osobor is more of a traditional power forward who is going to play on the blocks. Though he's a very good athlete, he isn't elite in that regard and he doesn't step away from the basket much.
Meanwhile, Toppin is a freakish athlete who is better in an up-tempo setting. He's also a 34.4% three-point shooter (though he averaged below one attempt per game this past season).
Also, keep in mind that Toppin could have three more years left to play at the college level. On the other hand, Osobor has just one season of college basketball left.
Regardless, either of these players would be a great addition to the Red Raiders. Tech needs a power forward to give this year's roster more balance than it had a year ago.
We saw in the NCAA Tournament that a power forward like D.J. Burns Jr. for NC State can take over games and Tech would be wise to try to find a player who can do similar work on the blocks. So keep an eye on both Osobor and Toppin in the upcoming days as both seem to be in play for Tech at this time.
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