Success has yet to spoil Texas Tech.
Oh, sooner or later, the Red Raiders are due for a few losses. The Big 12 is too good and too deep for anybody to keep rolling for too long.
For now, the Red Raiders are doing just fine in life after Chris Beard, something that shows signs of continuing. More than fine, actually. Under first-year coach Mark Adams, a former Beard assistant, No. 19 Tech (13-3, 3-1 Big 12) is the hottest team in the conference after consecutive wins over Kansas, defending NCAA champion Baylor and Oklahoma State.
“We want more. We want what’s next,” forward Marcus Santos-Silva said.
In this case, more means playing Saturday at Kansas State (8-7, 0-4). The Wildcats are reeling and hot-seat rumors are swirling (again) around coach Bruce Weber, so that pretty much guarantees Tech should get K-State’s best shot.
Expect Tech to also be ready. The Red Raiders avoided a letdown against Oklahoma State with a 21-point win. A defense ranked fourth nationally in the KenPom.com adjusted rankings is a constant.
“Their defense makes it hard to get good looks. They have a lot of size [and] length,” Baylor coach Scott Drew said. “There’s a reason they’re Top 20 and good.”
Tech has survived despite injuries to TJ Shannon (back), the team’s best NBA prospect, and heart-and-soul guy Kevin McCullar (ankle).
Santos-Silva credited aggressiveness and noted Adams likes boxing analogies.
“We’ve been hitting our punches,” he said.
Like many programs, Tech was prowling the transfer portal in the offseason.
Adams took a different approach than most power conference teams, shopping the mid-major aisle, the players who fell through the cracks the first time around.
Some were still well known. Playing at Oral Roberts, Kevin Obanor lit up Ohio State and Florida in the NCAA Tournament. After a slow shooting start, he’s hit 12 of 19 from the field against Baylor and Oklahoma State.
Other were more under the radar. Davion Warren averaged 21.2 points and 6.3 rebounds for Hampton in the Big South. Adonis Arms, who came up big against Baylor with 14 points, nine rebounds and five assists, helped Winthrop reach the NCAA Tournament. Bryson Williams is averaging 11.9 ppg after previous stops at Frenso State and UTEP.
“These guys, they’re warriors,” Adams said. “These are older players, and they’re veterans. Guys like Davion and Adonis, came from smaller Division I schools. They have a chip on their shoulder. And guys like Bryson and Kevin Obanor, they want to prove they can play on this level.
“That’s a big part of that. You’re looking at guys that have a lot of experiences and have been on the big stage before.”
Somehow the chemistry is starting to form on a team that had just five holdovers from last season.
“I think the greatest thing is these guys seem to be so happy when a teammate has some success,” Adams said. “There’s no jealousy. Guys all like each other to get along. That’s the fun part about coaching these guys.”
Others are noticing from national talking heads who wanted to talk with Adams this week to recruits. Former John Paul II standout Jaylon Tyson, a former top 50 national recruit, chose Tech this week after transferring out of Texas.
“I think it’s because of the culture and we’re winning and the program,” Adams said. “I think he appreciates that, wants to be a part of it. And so it’s helped us in recruiting. A guy like Jalen Tyson, you know who brings a lot to the table, just unbelievable. … So the future looks bright for us.”
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