Tough one to swallow because of how it played out today. But, there's a lot to unpack about this game and the season and future of Red Raider basketball. So let's do it.
We'll get the bad out of the way first here before moving on to all the good things, which there are a lot of...
*This game was won by Villanova for two simple reasons: Tech fouled too much and Nova dominated inside. The Wildcats out-rebounded the Red Raiders 51-33 and had TWENTY offensive rebounds. You will win maybe 1 of 100 at any level of basketball getting outrebounded like that. Tech simply gave Nova too many possessions as a result. I don't think it's effort-based, either. I think it's a situation where Nova spreads you out so much because every guy on the floor can score at the bucket and behind the arc. They stretch out the best of defenses, and because of their athleticism, they can get a bunch of offensive rebounds in open space like they did today with as many threes as they throw up, creating long rebound opportunities. Now Tech shouldn't have given up as many as they did. I thought they were a little too lackadaisical on the boards at times for sure. But Nova out-athleted Tech, the only team not named Kansas that can do that on the schedule to this group of Red Raiders.
*So, let's get to the fouling, because I know everyone wants to talk about it: I thought a lot of the calls in the first half against Tech were legit. Ticky-tack, but legit. And I did think that Tech both shied away from contact on drives and shot too many threes in the first half, which helped create the FT disparity. Justin Gray, Zhaire Smith, and Zach Smith all being in foul trouble was a giant issue in the final 10 minutes of the first half. In the second half, however? I did think that Tech adjusted, got uber aggressive, and then got hacked a number of times and didn't get the whistle at the rim or on the drive. I thought at times that Nova did certainly get more favorable calls than Tech did. But it wasn't all the time.
*And let's look hard at this number: 6-23 on layups. That just will not fly at this level of basketball. Tech defended their ass off the whole second half, and they were getting to the bucket on Nova at-will in stretches as well. But then they didn't finish at the rim. You cannot miss that many layups. Yes, there are a couple of those where you should've got foul calls, but I think guys were looking for foul calls too much instead of simply trying to finish and hope for an and-one opportunity. You just cannot miss that many layups. If Tech makes just like three of those layups, this is a one possession game in the final minutes. Regardless of what you think of the FT disparity, Tech still had their chances and opportunities to kick the door open in this game. Which is frustrating.
*This was as poorly as Tech's shot the three all season as well. So many bad, bad misses in this game. Moretti, Francis, Culver, and Evans all had some rough shots behind the arc. This was a game where I thought Tech would have to shoot at least pretty good behind the arc to have a chance. They did not do that today unfortunately, which you hate even more because Nova made only 4 threes the whole game.
Now, to the good...
*Despite all those things that went against them today, this group continued to do what they've done all season long: Fight their tails off. No matter how ugly it got, no matter how many times Nova tried to put them away, this group of Red Raiders never gave in. They clawed this thing down to a 5 point game with the ball with less than 4 minutes to play. If I'd told Chris Beard and his team they'd be down 5 against what I think is easily the best team in the country in the final minutes with a trip to the Final Four on the line, they'd take it every time. And I would've taken it too. You can't ask for much more than that if you believe in yourself as a team. This group certainly did.
*They defended Nova as well as you can defend Nova in the second half. Before Tech started hacking the Cats late, Nova scored just 25 points in the second half. That's a team that averages almost double that in a half. They went just 4-24 behind the three point line. That's a DAMN good defensive performance, and one that I thought would win Tech this game 9 times out of 10. I guess today was the 10th. This should not get overlooked, because it's impressive as all get out.
*This season was everything any one in red and black could've asked for and more. They were predicted to finish 7th in the conference, be a tournament team that was like a 9 or 10 seed, and then hopefully would win a tournament game. They blew every expectation out of the water. A 2nd place Big 12 finish where they were a Keenan Evans injury away from winning the conference, having him be the Big 12 POTY, and they make the deepest postseason run in program history. This was a through-the-roof, smashing success of a basketball season for Red Raider hoops. This team accomplished more than any in Big 12 history. They've asserted themselves a big, centerpiece placement in the annals of Tech athletics history as a result, too.
*This team was tough, physical, and they never said uncle once. They're fighters to their core, and they're extremely unselfish. That's why this team was what it was. They were deep because no one had egos on who should start or shouldn't (I know that for a fact). They played for each other, and they poured every ounce they had out of the bucket on a nightly basis. Because you know what? This team was not some uber talented, blue chip group. Yes, they're athletic and have a ton of length, but as far as basketball skill, this group is not even in the top 12-15 in the country, maybe not in the top 20 depending on who you ask. But they fought with every ounce of effort they could muster, and they did it having as much fun as anyone in the country.
*And ultimately, that's why this run was so much fun. They didn't do this as a stacked, expected, high-expectations team. They did it as one of the biggest surprises in college basketball, proving people wrong every twist and turn along the way. Anytime someone doubted them, anytime they faced major adversity, they threw it back in their face, and I think this team relished in those opportunities. I think that's this group's identity: I'll prove you wrong, and I'll do it by wanting it more than you.
*We'll look back on this senior group individually more in the coming days, but what a run and career-capping swan song for a core group of players that have gone through so much as Red Raiders. They went from one of the worst teams in college basketball to one of the absolute best by the time they finished. To borrow a Gus Malzahn quote, they went from the outhouse to the penthouse, and they didn't do it as highly-touted players. They all did it as lightly recruited guys who worked for every single thing they got. And they got almost everything they could've ever asked for. So, for the final time: Take a bow Justin Gray, Zach Smith, and Keenan Evans. They deserve a long, roaring standing ovation.
*Gray made as many sacrifices as any player on this basketball team. He's an ultimate glue guy that did anything and everything ever asked of him. He played different roles, played out of position, was a great defender, made big shots when called on, and just embodied what this team was about. Justin Gray will go on to do big things in life because of the kind of character and tools he has as a person. Mark that down right now.
*Zach Smith. What could've been this year will always be the unfortunate talk, but for him to have come back from a foot injury like that and to round back into form in the final few games of the season like he did? That's something truly special. While his teammates went on their Big 12 run, he was in the training room working his tail off, hellbent on suiting up again as a Red Raider. And in the end, he had a cherry-on-top performance against Purdue in this tournament. Good for Zach Smith. Here's to a long, big time career in professinal basketball.
*Keenan Evans. What can you say that hasn't been said already? I hate, hate, hate it for him that his final performance as a Red Raider wasn't one that he'll look back on fondly, because the amount of great things he did this season far outweigh what happened in a single set of 40 minutes. If you were to define "closer," you'd find Keenan Evans' picture next to it. He made big bucket after big bucket for this team, at times carrying them to victory when someone needed to. He's one of the best Red Raiders of all time now, regardless of sport. They talk about being a cold-blooded killer in sports? Here's a prime example. Keenan Evans is that man, and he always will be. And you know what? He earned it. He created this version of himself. He wasn't born as this player. That's what I think truly makes him so special.
*Niem Stevenson. Stevenson is the king of the "How did that go in?" bucket, and when he got it rolling, he was a ton of fun to watch. What really needs to be talked about is how he changed over the offseason, though. He decided to become a sacrificing member of this basketball team, and he transformed himself on and off the court. When he got benched earlier this season, I know for a fact that he never complained. In fact, he was all good with it. He knew he needed to take a different role on this team. And he made some vital buckets for this team. But where he really thrived? He was arguably the best on-ball defender on this entire unit, and that's impressive. I think Niem has a higher ceiling as a pro potentially down the road as he continues to play basketball.
*And I'd be making a mistake if I didn't mention Tommy Hamilton. He reshaped his body after coming in from DePaul, and at times this season he really was an X factor as a shooter by pulling opponent big men out of the paint, opening up things in the lane for the guards and wing players. I think Tommy showed flashes of being a really dadgum good basketball player this year, and I really do think he has a ton of potential to be a better pro player than he was a college player. He has a bunch of ceiling left. Can be a sharpshooter, has inside game, and is a smart, heady passer and defender when he plays well. He was up and down this year, but the flashes were there. Best of wishes to Hamilton.
*And now, for the future. This run was incredible, and it's the best year Tech's ever had in the postseason. But if you ask Chris Beard, his staff, and his players, this is only the foundation for what's to come. This can be the springboard for the future, and I think Beard is here for the long haul if Tech will continue to help him out with facilities and whatever else he needs to keep the program moving forward. Tech basketball's run didn't end today. It's just starting under Beard if things hold steady.
*I think you see Zhaire Smith come back to Lubbock for his sophomore year, but I think that'll be it. He has so much raw potential and such an incredibly high ceiling as a basketball player. I don't really know who he reminds me of, but he's a freak athlete that will only continue to become more of a monster as his offensive game develops. If he can really start shooting and can drive it a little better, he will be a PROBLEM for opponents.
*With Jarrett Culver, I think it's a matter of simple consistency and cutting down on turnovers. He can stroke it and drive it both, and he's got such incredible length as a defender. A year in the weight room and a bit more seasoning, and Culver will also be a PROBLEM for opposing teams. Let's cherish this duo of Culver and Smith while we can.
*What is Brandone Francis as a senior here? He flashed true sharpshooting and playmaking abilities as an elite athlete at times this year, and he wasn't a top 50 prospect in the country coming out of high school for no reason. He needs to find his shot again and find consistency. He can be a real threat if he'll do that. He just fell off too much down the stretch this year. Excited to see what he can do this offseason, though.
*Davide Moretti came on strong in the tourney, and I think he can be a stud with some time and growth. He looked much more poised at the end of the year than he did in Big 12 play. Can he become a deadly three level scorer? I think he has the potential, but he's got to continue to come on strong over the next seven months, whether in the states or back in Italy.
*This team will actually get more talented next year, bringing in Khavon Moore, Kyler Edwards, DeShawn Corprew (hopefully), CJ Roberts, adding a few more pieces, and then continuing to develop Moretti and Ondigo alongside Culver and Smith. This team will be more skilled on the offensive end next season, I can promise you that.
*And to me, that was this team's biggest flaw by far, the one that got majorly exposed today: They simply do not have enough shooters and skilled offensive players. You couldn't pile up treys when you need them unless you get hot as a team. Yes, Evans, Stevenson, and Zh Smith knocked down big threes and could make some shots, but I would not consider any of them true sharpshooters. The only guys on the roster with elite shooting skillsets are Moretti, Francis, and Culver, and even they were inconsistent this year. You simply have got to get more skill on offense. And with Roberts, Edwards, and Moore, you ABSOLUTELY add that. All are true offensive weapons.
*Look at the Villanova roster today. What do you see? In my opinion, what Chris Beard wants his roster to look like: Long, super athletic, and skilled offensively with an ability to shoot from at least the 1-4. Nova isn't some big, physically imposing team. Instead, they're a suped-up version of Tech's roster. They're a hair bigger down low, and they can shoot it and score at the hoop at every position. More positionless basketball, less position-specific skillsets. That's why Nova has like six guys who average double figures. Tech wants that for this motion offense. They want everyone to be able to handle the ball. They want you to not to be able to key in on anyone. They want as fluid, and indefensible a motion-offense as they can have. Obviously, Beard won't recruit guys if they can't or won't defend, but you get the idea on the skillsets. Not about getting much bigger. It's about getting a little longer, a little more athletic, and a lot more skilled as a whole offensively. That's how you make the Tech Basketball Death Star operational.
*I'll tell you too that this big run in the tournament can only help on the recruiting trail. 2019 stud and legacy Kevin McCullars would be a nice add for down the road for sure, but I think you'll still turn a few more heads here in the next few weeks before the late signing period begins in hoops. Tariq Owens - the St. Johns big man who's a shot blocker - would be a big piece for next year, but I think you'll see some late movement with some real studs in this high school class. Don't know if they'll win, but I think they'll get their hats in the ring. We'll have more on that this week.
*So, in summary, and I know I got long winded: Heckuva season, tough day, but the future is really bright. Cannot wait for next fall.
We'll get the bad out of the way first here before moving on to all the good things, which there are a lot of...
*This game was won by Villanova for two simple reasons: Tech fouled too much and Nova dominated inside. The Wildcats out-rebounded the Red Raiders 51-33 and had TWENTY offensive rebounds. You will win maybe 1 of 100 at any level of basketball getting outrebounded like that. Tech simply gave Nova too many possessions as a result. I don't think it's effort-based, either. I think it's a situation where Nova spreads you out so much because every guy on the floor can score at the bucket and behind the arc. They stretch out the best of defenses, and because of their athleticism, they can get a bunch of offensive rebounds in open space like they did today with as many threes as they throw up, creating long rebound opportunities. Now Tech shouldn't have given up as many as they did. I thought they were a little too lackadaisical on the boards at times for sure. But Nova out-athleted Tech, the only team not named Kansas that can do that on the schedule to this group of Red Raiders.
*So, let's get to the fouling, because I know everyone wants to talk about it: I thought a lot of the calls in the first half against Tech were legit. Ticky-tack, but legit. And I did think that Tech both shied away from contact on drives and shot too many threes in the first half, which helped create the FT disparity. Justin Gray, Zhaire Smith, and Zach Smith all being in foul trouble was a giant issue in the final 10 minutes of the first half. In the second half, however? I did think that Tech adjusted, got uber aggressive, and then got hacked a number of times and didn't get the whistle at the rim or on the drive. I thought at times that Nova did certainly get more favorable calls than Tech did. But it wasn't all the time.
*And let's look hard at this number: 6-23 on layups. That just will not fly at this level of basketball. Tech defended their ass off the whole second half, and they were getting to the bucket on Nova at-will in stretches as well. But then they didn't finish at the rim. You cannot miss that many layups. Yes, there are a couple of those where you should've got foul calls, but I think guys were looking for foul calls too much instead of simply trying to finish and hope for an and-one opportunity. You just cannot miss that many layups. If Tech makes just like three of those layups, this is a one possession game in the final minutes. Regardless of what you think of the FT disparity, Tech still had their chances and opportunities to kick the door open in this game. Which is frustrating.
*This was as poorly as Tech's shot the three all season as well. So many bad, bad misses in this game. Moretti, Francis, Culver, and Evans all had some rough shots behind the arc. This was a game where I thought Tech would have to shoot at least pretty good behind the arc to have a chance. They did not do that today unfortunately, which you hate even more because Nova made only 4 threes the whole game.
Now, to the good...
*Despite all those things that went against them today, this group continued to do what they've done all season long: Fight their tails off. No matter how ugly it got, no matter how many times Nova tried to put them away, this group of Red Raiders never gave in. They clawed this thing down to a 5 point game with the ball with less than 4 minutes to play. If I'd told Chris Beard and his team they'd be down 5 against what I think is easily the best team in the country in the final minutes with a trip to the Final Four on the line, they'd take it every time. And I would've taken it too. You can't ask for much more than that if you believe in yourself as a team. This group certainly did.
*They defended Nova as well as you can defend Nova in the second half. Before Tech started hacking the Cats late, Nova scored just 25 points in the second half. That's a team that averages almost double that in a half. They went just 4-24 behind the three point line. That's a DAMN good defensive performance, and one that I thought would win Tech this game 9 times out of 10. I guess today was the 10th. This should not get overlooked, because it's impressive as all get out.
*This season was everything any one in red and black could've asked for and more. They were predicted to finish 7th in the conference, be a tournament team that was like a 9 or 10 seed, and then hopefully would win a tournament game. They blew every expectation out of the water. A 2nd place Big 12 finish where they were a Keenan Evans injury away from winning the conference, having him be the Big 12 POTY, and they make the deepest postseason run in program history. This was a through-the-roof, smashing success of a basketball season for Red Raider hoops. This team accomplished more than any in Big 12 history. They've asserted themselves a big, centerpiece placement in the annals of Tech athletics history as a result, too.
*This team was tough, physical, and they never said uncle once. They're fighters to their core, and they're extremely unselfish. That's why this team was what it was. They were deep because no one had egos on who should start or shouldn't (I know that for a fact). They played for each other, and they poured every ounce they had out of the bucket on a nightly basis. Because you know what? This team was not some uber talented, blue chip group. Yes, they're athletic and have a ton of length, but as far as basketball skill, this group is not even in the top 12-15 in the country, maybe not in the top 20 depending on who you ask. But they fought with every ounce of effort they could muster, and they did it having as much fun as anyone in the country.
*And ultimately, that's why this run was so much fun. They didn't do this as a stacked, expected, high-expectations team. They did it as one of the biggest surprises in college basketball, proving people wrong every twist and turn along the way. Anytime someone doubted them, anytime they faced major adversity, they threw it back in their face, and I think this team relished in those opportunities. I think that's this group's identity: I'll prove you wrong, and I'll do it by wanting it more than you.
*We'll look back on this senior group individually more in the coming days, but what a run and career-capping swan song for a core group of players that have gone through so much as Red Raiders. They went from one of the worst teams in college basketball to one of the absolute best by the time they finished. To borrow a Gus Malzahn quote, they went from the outhouse to the penthouse, and they didn't do it as highly-touted players. They all did it as lightly recruited guys who worked for every single thing they got. And they got almost everything they could've ever asked for. So, for the final time: Take a bow Justin Gray, Zach Smith, and Keenan Evans. They deserve a long, roaring standing ovation.
*Gray made as many sacrifices as any player on this basketball team. He's an ultimate glue guy that did anything and everything ever asked of him. He played different roles, played out of position, was a great defender, made big shots when called on, and just embodied what this team was about. Justin Gray will go on to do big things in life because of the kind of character and tools he has as a person. Mark that down right now.
*Zach Smith. What could've been this year will always be the unfortunate talk, but for him to have come back from a foot injury like that and to round back into form in the final few games of the season like he did? That's something truly special. While his teammates went on their Big 12 run, he was in the training room working his tail off, hellbent on suiting up again as a Red Raider. And in the end, he had a cherry-on-top performance against Purdue in this tournament. Good for Zach Smith. Here's to a long, big time career in professinal basketball.
*Keenan Evans. What can you say that hasn't been said already? I hate, hate, hate it for him that his final performance as a Red Raider wasn't one that he'll look back on fondly, because the amount of great things he did this season far outweigh what happened in a single set of 40 minutes. If you were to define "closer," you'd find Keenan Evans' picture next to it. He made big bucket after big bucket for this team, at times carrying them to victory when someone needed to. He's one of the best Red Raiders of all time now, regardless of sport. They talk about being a cold-blooded killer in sports? Here's a prime example. Keenan Evans is that man, and he always will be. And you know what? He earned it. He created this version of himself. He wasn't born as this player. That's what I think truly makes him so special.
*Niem Stevenson. Stevenson is the king of the "How did that go in?" bucket, and when he got it rolling, he was a ton of fun to watch. What really needs to be talked about is how he changed over the offseason, though. He decided to become a sacrificing member of this basketball team, and he transformed himself on and off the court. When he got benched earlier this season, I know for a fact that he never complained. In fact, he was all good with it. He knew he needed to take a different role on this team. And he made some vital buckets for this team. But where he really thrived? He was arguably the best on-ball defender on this entire unit, and that's impressive. I think Niem has a higher ceiling as a pro potentially down the road as he continues to play basketball.
*And I'd be making a mistake if I didn't mention Tommy Hamilton. He reshaped his body after coming in from DePaul, and at times this season he really was an X factor as a shooter by pulling opponent big men out of the paint, opening up things in the lane for the guards and wing players. I think Tommy showed flashes of being a really dadgum good basketball player this year, and I really do think he has a ton of potential to be a better pro player than he was a college player. He has a bunch of ceiling left. Can be a sharpshooter, has inside game, and is a smart, heady passer and defender when he plays well. He was up and down this year, but the flashes were there. Best of wishes to Hamilton.
*And now, for the future. This run was incredible, and it's the best year Tech's ever had in the postseason. But if you ask Chris Beard, his staff, and his players, this is only the foundation for what's to come. This can be the springboard for the future, and I think Beard is here for the long haul if Tech will continue to help him out with facilities and whatever else he needs to keep the program moving forward. Tech basketball's run didn't end today. It's just starting under Beard if things hold steady.
*I think you see Zhaire Smith come back to Lubbock for his sophomore year, but I think that'll be it. He has so much raw potential and such an incredibly high ceiling as a basketball player. I don't really know who he reminds me of, but he's a freak athlete that will only continue to become more of a monster as his offensive game develops. If he can really start shooting and can drive it a little better, he will be a PROBLEM for opponents.
*With Jarrett Culver, I think it's a matter of simple consistency and cutting down on turnovers. He can stroke it and drive it both, and he's got such incredible length as a defender. A year in the weight room and a bit more seasoning, and Culver will also be a PROBLEM for opposing teams. Let's cherish this duo of Culver and Smith while we can.
*What is Brandone Francis as a senior here? He flashed true sharpshooting and playmaking abilities as an elite athlete at times this year, and he wasn't a top 50 prospect in the country coming out of high school for no reason. He needs to find his shot again and find consistency. He can be a real threat if he'll do that. He just fell off too much down the stretch this year. Excited to see what he can do this offseason, though.
*Davide Moretti came on strong in the tourney, and I think he can be a stud with some time and growth. He looked much more poised at the end of the year than he did in Big 12 play. Can he become a deadly three level scorer? I think he has the potential, but he's got to continue to come on strong over the next seven months, whether in the states or back in Italy.
*This team will actually get more talented next year, bringing in Khavon Moore, Kyler Edwards, DeShawn Corprew (hopefully), CJ Roberts, adding a few more pieces, and then continuing to develop Moretti and Ondigo alongside Culver and Smith. This team will be more skilled on the offensive end next season, I can promise you that.
*And to me, that was this team's biggest flaw by far, the one that got majorly exposed today: They simply do not have enough shooters and skilled offensive players. You couldn't pile up treys when you need them unless you get hot as a team. Yes, Evans, Stevenson, and Zh Smith knocked down big threes and could make some shots, but I would not consider any of them true sharpshooters. The only guys on the roster with elite shooting skillsets are Moretti, Francis, and Culver, and even they were inconsistent this year. You simply have got to get more skill on offense. And with Roberts, Edwards, and Moore, you ABSOLUTELY add that. All are true offensive weapons.
*Look at the Villanova roster today. What do you see? In my opinion, what Chris Beard wants his roster to look like: Long, super athletic, and skilled offensively with an ability to shoot from at least the 1-4. Nova isn't some big, physically imposing team. Instead, they're a suped-up version of Tech's roster. They're a hair bigger down low, and they can shoot it and score at the hoop at every position. More positionless basketball, less position-specific skillsets. That's why Nova has like six guys who average double figures. Tech wants that for this motion offense. They want everyone to be able to handle the ball. They want you to not to be able to key in on anyone. They want as fluid, and indefensible a motion-offense as they can have. Obviously, Beard won't recruit guys if they can't or won't defend, but you get the idea on the skillsets. Not about getting much bigger. It's about getting a little longer, a little more athletic, and a lot more skilled as a whole offensively. That's how you make the Tech Basketball Death Star operational.
*I'll tell you too that this big run in the tournament can only help on the recruiting trail. 2019 stud and legacy Kevin McCullars would be a nice add for down the road for sure, but I think you'll still turn a few more heads here in the next few weeks before the late signing period begins in hoops. Tariq Owens - the St. Johns big man who's a shot blocker - would be a big piece for next year, but I think you'll see some late movement with some real studs in this high school class. Don't know if they'll win, but I think they'll get their hats in the ring. We'll have more on that this week.
*So, in summary, and I know I got long winded: Heckuva season, tough day, but the future is really bright. Cannot wait for next fall.
