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Motivated by the MADNESS

Lady Raiders resume chase of ‘93 legacy

By JARRETT RAMIREZ SportS reporter

Of the 32 banners dedi cated to Lady Raiders bas ketball hanging inside the United Supermarkets Arena, there is one that stands apart from the rest. Writ ten in bold, white script across a black and scarlet background reads “NCAA National Champions 1993.”

The 2022-2023 season marks the 30-year anni versary of the Texas Tech women’s basketball team climbing atop the NCAA tournament and being crowned the champions of basketball.

The 1993 season was capped off with an 84-82 victory over Ohio State, but for San Antonio resident and former Lady Raider Diana Kersey, the campaign as a whole was years in the making.

“I think we were all just gelled as a team and the confidence level that we built up as the season pro gressed, it became to where

we felt like the national championship was inevita ble,” Kersey, a forward from 1990-1994, said. “Winning is contagious … . We just knew we could win every game played.”

In her 24 seasons at the helm of the Tech women’s basketball team, head coach Marsha Sharp instilled a winning culture and walked away in 2006 with 572 vic tories, according to Tech Athletics. Sharp’s relentless attitude led to her players achieving a 97% graduation rate, a feat almost unheard of in collegiate athletics.

Aside from success on the basketball court, Sharp ac knowledged the importance of ensuring that her players left Tech with an education to set themselves a founda tion in life.

“My goal was to make sure they left Tech with a de gree because if I had brought them there and we’ve had great experiences athleti cally for four years, but they had left without a degree, I would not have done my job

very well,” Sharp said. “It honestly became something that our older players would make sure that the younger players did and this was a really important part of it.”

Sheryl Swoopes, the Most Outstanding Player of that 1993 group, was perhaps the most recognizable face on the team. A 2019 inductee to the Tech Ring of Honor, Swoopes is cemented in Tech culture as one of the most decorated athletes to roll through Lubbock.

Swoopes has a deep tro phy case that holds three WNBA MVP awards to go along with her three Olym pic gold medals. Her impact on the game of basketball stretched further than the depths of West Texas.

Swoopes, originally of Brownfield, was one of 10 players on the ‘93 team from within a 100 mile radius of Lubbock. Coach Sharp discussed the importance of keeping local recruits at Tech and how that affects teams even today.

Home court reigns for Raiders in Hub City

By NATE ZIEGNER NewS reporter

As the 2022-2023 Tex as Tech basketball season has begun non-confer ence play and conference matchups in the coming weeks, the hype from last year’s seasons is carrying over in hopes for similar victorious outcomes.

As Mark Adams’ first season as head coach with the men’s team began last year, love for him sky rocketed. Coming off the frustration of former head coach Chris Beard deciding to coach for in-state rival, the University of Texas, student support for Adams showed in high attendance and wide participation.

Adams turned down an offer to join Beard in Aus tin, noting Adams’ love for Lubbock and the Red Raider family. Tech fans welcomed him with open arms, promising the same level of support and atten dance shown for the former head coach.

As the first few games of the 2021-2022 season began and the team proved it was just as formidable as it had been under Beard, fans poured into every game. Inside the United Supermarkets Arena, the crowd roared, danced and dressed up to make sure no opponent could come out on top in Lubbock.

Fans especially took notice that the team and Adams were serious when Tech upset No. 7 Kansas at home on Jan. 8, 75-67.

Then came the ending of No.1-ranked Baylor’s 21-game undefeated streak in Waco, showcasing game leader super-senior guard #25 Adonis Arms with 14 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists.

Support culminated on Feb. 1, as UT came to Lub bock. In the days leading up to the big matchup, students lined up outside the doors of the arena with tents and sleeping bags to secure spots as close to the court as possible. As

Texas buses pulled into the Hub City passion and ven geance for the Longhorns and Beard return filled the Tech community.

The game was a sellout, filling the stadium with 15,000 fans crying out for a Red Raider victory. Tech delivered the win, 77-64.

“I am appreciative of the way our players played and our fans, they were out standing and just showed why we have the best fans in the country,” Adams said in a news conference fol lowing the game. “I don’t think I’ve ever experienced anything like that before.”

The environment of Tech support earned na tional notice through ESPN and other big sports networks. Videos of mass crowds swag surfin and erupting as opposing teams shot free throws went viral on social media platforms, garnering excitement for the team’s success all over the country.

The High Riders organization creates fun atmosphere for women-centered sports.

Texas Tech women’s basketball team prepares for upcoming season after winning its debut game.

Tech athletes should not be seen as celebrities and instead should be able to have a normal college life.

Texas Tech men’s basketball team has set high standards for itself as it continues the season.

Hector Hernandez, a

By Jacob Lujan / The Daily Toreador

Olivia Raymond /The Daily Toreador

Milly Latino /The Daily Toreador Super-senior forward Kevin Obanor dribbling the ball before going for a three-pointer past Northwestern State’s defense at the United Supermarkets Arena on Nov. 7, 2022.

Second-year guard Ashley Chevalier looks at a teammate, ready to recieve a pass against Texas A&M Corpus Christi at the United Supermarkets Arena on Nov. 7, 2022.

Group riding high for women’s sports

By MADISON VIDALES Copy Editor

After every point scored, a Guns Up gesture is seen high in the sky; however, this support not only comes from the fans, Pom Squad, or Tech’s Cheer Squad, but a fourth support group: the High Riders.

Serving as an all-women’s spirit organization, the High Riders foster values of service, spirit, leadership, tradition and sisterhood. Aligning with their values, the High Riders show support for Tech’s women’s sports by attending their games.

High Rider traditions began in the 1970s, according to Erin Goodson, the standards officer of the High Riders. The orga nization sought to amp up the support for women’s sports that men’s sports usually receive.

“Around the time that we were founded in the ‘70s, there wasn’t a lot of recognition given to women’s athletics when our women’s teams were being developed around that time,” Goodson, a natural resources management student from Georgetown, said. “There was not as much love for them as there was for men’s athletics. The Saddle Tramps have been

around since the university was founded and they gave so much support to football and basketball and all of our men’s athletics, but we are always there at our women’s games.

“We’re always giving them our undivided attention and our wonderful support as much as we can. If they know there’s a busy weekend and not a lot of students are going to turn out, they know that at least the High Riders are going to be there,” the fourth-year student added.

For Goodman, the ambi ence of the games is one of the rewarding aspects of being a High Rider.

“I just love the atmosphere whenever we’re at games, espe cially basketball games, that’s the sport that we were founded on,” Goodman said. “It’s not anywhere near as insane or crazy as our men’s games, but everyone is always on their feet. They’re getting pumped up and it’s electrifying to be right up on the court.”

As High Riders, members experience moments most stu dents only hear stories about. Erica Martinez, president of the High Riders, rang the victory bells for the first time this past August.

“My first time ringing the victory bells was after a soccer game. It was just me and two other people ringing the bells instead of the whole body,” Mar tinez, a third-year psychology major from Lubbock, said. “It felt a little more personal and it’s one of the greatest moments in my college career so far.”

While men’s sports seem to drown out the attention given to women’s sports, Lila McPherson, vice president of the High Riders, said the spirit organization strives to end this disparity of support.

“I feel like because we are in Texas, and we are a huge foot ball campus, I feel like women’s sports, just like other sports, just get pushed aside,” McPherson, a third-year communications stu dent from Leander, said. “We are an organization here on campus that goes and supports women and makes them feel like they’re loved and welcomed.”

Lauren Anderson, athletic promotional chair for the High Riders, said the importance of the organization extends beyond supporting women –attending games brings people together.

“Just like in society, women’s sports are not as prioritized

CAMPUS SPIRIT

as any other ultimate sports,” Anderson, a second-year nurs ing and human science student from Dallas, said. “Having an or ganization like this really brings light to women’s sports and helps network people, (with) all of my friends I bring them into girls games when they wouldn’t have otherwise.”

The High Riders’ efforts do not go unnoticed. Athletes ap proach members to extend their

gratitude for the spirit organiza tion’s efforts, Anderson said.

“There’s been so many times we’re about to walk to class to gether and an athlete will come up to you and say hey,” Ander son said. “One of our members has class with one of the bas ketball players and they’re now friends. I think that’s something really cool to see that I wouldn’t have been able to see if I wasn’t a part of the High Riders.

Raider Riot rallies game day culture

By TANA THOMPSON L a Vida Editor

As basketball season gets underway, a riot of Red Raider fans are already on the Texas Tech campus. If a student is in the student sec tion, they are familiar with Raider Riot.

Raider Riot is the stu dent section for the men’s basketball program. Within Raider Riot, an executive board and senate represent all students.

“Basically coming up with theme nights and making sure that the students are not violating any protocols or anything like that that

the USA holds the students to follow. So like throw ing things on the court and making sure that they’re not bringing liquor in,” Kylie Haseloff, president of Raider Riot, said. “We’re also in charge of the communica tion between the basketball program, (head coach) Mark Adams and everything like that and the students.”

Haseloff, a fourth-year agricultural communication student from Farwell, said she believes Raider Riot started around five years ago, with a group of five guys. At the time, head coach Chris Beard supported them in making it into something

bigger.

In the last five years, Raider Riot’s numbers have grown to 25 titled members along with every student in the student section.

Haseloff said they have many things planned for these students this semester.

“We are gearing up with campus-live to do watch parties again this year, and it’s going to be even better than last year. I’m not al lowed to talk about the in formation just yet or like the specific details of that yet,” Haseloff said, “but other than that we have, you know, the famous whiteboard com ing back. … We’re really digging into the research of the opposing teams this year to try to get some beef on the other teams that are, you know, obviously like not violating any like, standards I guess that Athletics has set for us …

.We’re ready to see every one and we’re ready to get the season started.”

Last season during the home game against the University of Texas, people camped out for three days in hopes to get a good seat. Raider Riot helped regulate the wristband admission program implemented by the university.

Priority ticketing for the UT game will be done differ ently this season, Haseloff said. Hopefully, it will be done more efficiently.

“It’s going to be, hopeful ly, a lot smoother so that’ll

be something to look forward to,” Haseloff said. “And then just the games really, like, the Texas game is gonna be a blast. All the games we’re go ing to try to make them like a memorable experience.”

Above all else, Haseloff said her favorite memory of being part of Raider Riot

KYLIE HASELOFF PRESIDENT OF RAIDER RIOT

is the relationships she has built with the people in volved with Raider Riot.

“I mean, some of my best friends came from Raider Riot. I don’t think I would have ever met these people if I wouldn’t have joined the organization. Now I think that they’ll be, you know, like bridesmaids or like best friends for life,” Haseloff said. “I mean, they always say join a sorority you’ll find your right place for life. So I’m, like, join Raider Riot, you’ll find your best friends for life. Because that’s what I’ve experienced and been able to see firsthand.”

“They’ve (the athletes) made comments to us, after we’ve done something for them in addition to their games and really voiced how much they appreciated it and how it made the girls feel so much more spe cial and hyped up in their game because they don’t get that kind of attention from anybody else,” Anderson said.

We’re ready to see everyone and we’re ready to get the season starrted.”

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@TanaThompsonDT

OLIVIA RAYMOND/The Daily Toreador

Tech’s High Riders show support for the Red Raider volleyball team by holding their Guns Up after every point earned at the United Supermarkets Arena Nov. 2, 2022.

Lady Raiders set to improve in Gerlich’s third season

By ANDREW FALLON SportS reporter

After a loss to Oklahoma State in the first round of the Big 12 Women’s Basketball Tournament last season, the Texas Tech Lady Raiders started their season on Monday, Nov. 7, where they took their first vic tory of the season against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 69-49.

Ahead of the season opener, Tech competed in an exhibi tion game against Midwestern State on Nov. 1, which they won 84-50.

Starting Nov. 15, the Lady Raiders will compete in a pre season Women’s National In vitation Tournament. Their first two games will take place on back-to-back days in Lub bock against Jackson State and Colorado. Tech will travel to Lafayette, Louisiana, in their third and final game of the tournament where the Lady Raiders will take on Louisiana on Nov. 20.

Capping off the month of November, the Lady Raiders will make a quick pit stop in Nevada

where they will participate in the Las Vegas Invitational.

The Lady Raiders will end the calendar year with seven straight home games before starting conference play on New Year’s Eve with an eighth straight contest at home against Iowa State.

feels going into the upcoming season.

“There has definitely been a shift in our culture,’’ Gerlich said. “There’s been a shift in our standards, a shift in our work ethic, all those things. I think that the kids have done a good job of knowing that we’re recruiting to that and they’ve been very involved and engaged in not just our practices, but in our recruiting in our visits when we have recruits on campus.”

center Ella Tofaeono spoke about how being out with an injury has affected her leader ship skills off the court and also her relationship with assistant coach Plenette Pierson.

KRISTA

Big 12 play was a struggle for the Lady Raiders last sea son, winning four conference games on their way to their 11-19 record.

Lady Raiders’ head coach Krista Gerlich spoke on the team’s attitude throughout the offseason and how her squad

The new Lady Raiders are making their mark on the team. Sophomore guard Rhyle McKin ney commented on the early impact of her teammate, fresh man guard Bailey Maupin.

“I expect nothing less from Bailey,” McKinney said. “She’s a really great player and team mate. Anytime I’m on the floor with her, I feel so comfortable and she’s somebody that I’m confident that she could get the buckets if we need them.”

There are returning Lady Raiders that are finding them selves in new leadership roles going into the season. Senior

“It’s a bit of a different start to my senior year be cause I’ve been out,” Tofae ono said. “I’ve tried to learn as much as possible off the court, on the sidelines and on the baselines. I’ve tried to embrace that encouraging and vocal leader …. I’m learn ing something new every day, especially with coach (Pier son) being here now.”

After the Lady Raiders’ season debut, Gerlich said she has high hopes for her team going forward.

“The returners that we have no doubt now know what Lady Raider basketball is about,” Gerlich said. “They understand what the Big 12 is about. I think they know that they let some games slip away last year and so they’re ready to kind of redeem themselves ....”

@AndrewFallonDT

Guide to basketball termsBasketball ticketing rules

The 2022 basketball sea son has begun for both the men’s and women’s teams.

According to texastech. com, students who have paid the Athletic Fee may attend any game through access with their student ID.

The Athletic Fee allows students to attend any home game on a first-come, firstserved basis. This is appli cable for students enrolled in at least one hour on the Lubbock campus.

Tech students outside of Lubbock can complete the “Elect to Pay” application

under the Student Business Services tab in their Raiderlink.

Single-game tickets are available to buy on texastech. com, with group tickets offered with a request for information.

Ticket donations may be made by ticketholders unable to attend a game. Donations can be made through one’s tex astech.com account under the Return tab. Donated tickets are disturbted to nonprofit, youth and military organizations.

Tickets are available to purchase for any Lady Raider home game and select Red Raider home games are eligible

to purchase at texastech.com.

To learn more about tick eting visit texastech.com. Furtermore, the ticket office at the United Supermarkets Arena is open two hours prior to tip-off.

Contact Texas Tech Ath letics at (806) 742-TECH (8324) or email redraider tickets@ttu.edu with any questions.

For those who are new to being basketball fans, there is jargon that everyone may not understand. Here is a guide to all the terms:

Alley-oop: When a player catches a pass midair to dunk or go for a lay-up

Dime : Refers to an im pressive assist; an action by offense.

Double-double: When a player has double digits in two of the following statisti cal categories: points scored, assists or rebounds.

Triple-double : Follows the same concept as the dou

ble-double but double digits in all three categories

Box-out: When the defense backs up against the offense to get a rebound.

Fast Break: A player steals/ receives possession of the ball and beats defense to the op posite end of the court. This permits a shot to be made with minimal defense present.

Jump Ball: The referee throws the ball in the air be tween two opposing team play ers for either of them to tip the ball to their side; it occurs at the beginning of game and when a referee calls it.

Screen: When a player stands still to block the defense, creating separa tion between the defense and offense.

And-one: When offense makes a shot and is fouled in the act of shooting.

Pick-and-roll: A com mon play where the offense screens the defense, later runs to the basket and waits for a pass from teammate to score.

Air-ball: A missed shot that fails to hit rim or basket. Brick: An exceptionally bad missed shot.

MILLY LATINO/The Daily Toreador Fourth-year forward Bryn Gerlich (top) lines up for a free throw in a game against Texas A&M Corpus Christi at the United Super markets Arena Nov. 7, 2022. Fourth year center. Ella Tofaeono (bottom) guards against Texas A&M Corpus Christi forward during a game in the United Supermarkets Arena Nov. 7, 2022.

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@MariannaS_DT

GERLICH LADY RAIDERS’ HEAD COACH

There has definitely been a shift in our cultureThere’s been a shift in our stan dards, a shift in our work ethic, all those things.

Tech athletes need normalcy

Is being the face of the university really all it’s cracked up to be? We’re talking about athletes here. That’s right, campus celebrities.

“Free” food, better hous ing, an abundance of tutors, not to mention all that free merchandise. From an outside view, one may feel like athletes have it all handed to them. However, that may not always be the case.

Ironically, athletes may come off as outcasts once you get to know them. As a sports manage ment major, I am given plenty of time to get up close and personal with athletes. I work alongside them in class and watch their head hit their desk so they might finally get some rest.

It’s sad, really, watching girls in the back row fixate

over basketball players, anxiously typing, ready to mass-send videos of their every move to friends. Where is their humanity?

The term student-athlete was first coined by Walter Byers in 1964, the first executive director of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. According to Byers, the term was ingrained in the NCAA rules and regulations.

Call me crazy, but “studentathlete” has nothing to do with being a student. We are not giving enough credit to the 573 Tech ath letes that pour blood, sweat and tears into the many sports that make up the university’s brand.

The NCAA claims student-

COLUMN

athletes are students first. So why, are we not treating them this way?

Female athletes have a hard time letting go of perfectionism, according to Julie Amato, a sports psychologist at Elite Mindset Sports and Princeton University.

“They tend to magnify their mistakes and shortcomings, and feel relieved instead of joyful when they succeed,” Amato said.

These athletes are battling mental health issues, along with judgment from coaches, peers and fans from around the country. We should be treating them like the friends they might need, not the celebrities they do not want to be. They are going through the same transition from high school to college that other students are. Sure, their support system might be larger, but some of them have moved even further from their home, from their families.

At Tech, we have an abun

dance of athletes that have moved out of their home state or even country to be here; these stu dents cannot drive home for the weekend to visit their parents. They unfortunately are not given that luxury.

Considering their workload alone, I feel athletes are just as much, if not more, of a student than anyone. So, why aren’t they getting the credit they deserve?

Whether in a movie or real life, we have all heard it before. “You came here to play football; I came here to get a degree.” It is heinous and outright wrong. These are the people putting our university on the map, giving us a name in the collegiate sports world.

Why are we, as students, un able to give them the common courtesy of decent treatment? Is it jealousy? Whatever it is, we need to put an end to it.

Lady Raiders deserve appreciation

Basketball has become a huge part of Texas Tech’s culture over the recent years. It serves as a sta ple for college sports in Lubbock.

The community can be seen crowded in the stands of the United Supermarkets Arena or around the television to cheer for the team. Students and fans bond over games, watch parties, campouts and much more.

Whether it be preseason, conference or playoff games,

Lubbock is always present to support the men’s basketball team. However, who are we forgetting?

The Lady Raiders’ game at tendance is far less than the men’s because the fans have yet to fully embrace women’s college sports. This is illustrated largely through the substantial difference in home game ticket sales between wom en’s and men’s basketball at Tech.

It is evident that men’s basket

ball has a higher attendance rate for home games in comparison to women’s. The overall aver age home game attendance for men’s basketball at Tech is 13,973, whereas the women’s average totals 4,592, reported by Tech Athletics.

This trend is also apparent in other women’s sports on campus, such as volleyball. The sport’s average attendance for the 2021 season, based on num bers provided by Tech Athletics, totaled 954 and only reached a record number of 6,037, which occurred against the game against the University of Texas of the 2022 season.

As a result, we are left with female student-athletes who are poorly supported by their college sports-loving community.

With regard to my personal experience with this subject as a student, I have witnessed how Tech students rage over their love for the basketball program and how much the men’s team is supported. I witnessed the women’s team left stranded by fans week after week.

Through all of the women’s sporting events I have at tended, each is nearly empty,

it feels. The chants, fan re actions and overall energy don’t feel the same. The USA tends to feel lifeless during women’s games in comparison to men’s.

It can be argued that the rea son for the lack of attendance for the Lady Raiders’ games is due to their performance. Women’s basketball ended their 2021-22 season with an overall record of 11-19 and a conference record of 4-14 with no conference wins at home. However, when football performs poorly, fans continue to show up because they remain hopeful and carry loyalty for that team.

The poor women’s basketball performance might be linked to the lack of fan attendance. A display of faith and loyalty in the Lady Raiders’ team could possi bly alter the overall performance they execute.

It can be said that women’s sports are not as exciting as men’s in terms of the pace of the game

and skill, but this perspective merely stems from the slanted stigma placed on women’s sports when long rallies, home runs, goals and fast-breaks actually occur frequently among women; they just are dismissed. Therefore, these female athletes are left to battle not only their opponents, but also the stereotype placed upon them by their own com munity.

Sports is portrayed as a union that brings individuals together and empowers teams to build not only communal bonds, but legacies. The sports community at Tech can be perceived as a fam ily, one that is passionate and strong. However, just like most average families, the Tech sports family has its dysfunctions and the lack of effective support for the women’s teams is the root of Tech sports family’s dysfunction.

Women’s basketball battles opponents on the court while battling a stigma and the lack of effort from their community. If the college sports community began to accept women’s teams, we would have female athletes who feel respected and empowered and the future of sports would be revolutionized.

Zoe Taylor/The Daily ToreadorCOLUMN

Milly Latino is a sports management major from Lumberton.

@MillyLattDt

Kierra Eyiuche is a creative industries major from Wichita Falls.

There is a disparity between men’s and women’s sports attendance at the United Supermarkets Arena where seats are often empty for the latter.

JACOB LUJAN/The Daily Toreador

@KierraEyiucheDT

LADY RAIDERS CONTINUED FROM

“It was really important to establish a culture that we were going to keep all the good players from West Texas home. We worked re ally hard from a recruiting standpoint that every West Texas kid wanted to come to Tech and be a Lady Raid er basketball player,” Sharp said. “ … . I think all of that went together to create a really great atmosphere for games and a lot of fan support and a lot of tradi tion with the program.”

In 2022, fans see Krista Gerlich as the current Lady Raider head coach, but before her transition to

the sidelines, Gerlich was a starting guard on the 1993 championship team.

In a news conference Nov. 12, Gerlich noted that while coaching at Tech she has discussed the ‘93 team in her ef forts to bring the program back up to that standard.

“I don’t think (the play ers) would have came to Texas Tech if they didn’t think that they could win a national championship. I’m living proof that they can do it and somebody can do it that’s standing right in front of them,” Gerlich said. “We talk about

it a lot. We’ve actually been introducing them to sev eral former Lady Raiders over the past 10 weeks to just teach them about the tradition and the lega cy that’s been left here.”

A reunion between the former championship team is set for late January where the squad will be honored during the Lady Raiders’ matchup against Baylor.

In the meantime, the Lady Raiders will look for their first NCAA tournament appearance under Gerlich, and their first since 2013, according to Tech Athletics.

HOME COURT

third-year mechanical engi neering student from Carroll ton said attending the games last year ushered in an exciting and motivating environment.

“I believe Tech is very big in their basketball program,” Hernandez said.“Taking a look at last semester our support was one of the highest com pared to any other school.”

The environment in side the USA resulted in 24 straight wins, a streak dating back to Feb 9, 2021.

In a news conference lead ing up to the 2022 March Madness tournament, ju nior guard Kevin McCullar said the team only got better

as the season progressed.

“(Coach Adams) has been preaching to us about being the hardest playing team every night,” McCul lar said. “When we do that it gives us a chance to win, and that’s all you can do.”

In the same news con ference, senior forward Kevin Obanor spoke about the team’s togetherness.

“It’s all about em bracing the moment its a family here at the end of the day,” Obanor said.

Obanor will be finish ing his final college sea son at Tech this year while McCullar transferred to

Kansas after briefly enter ing the NBA draft process.

Since Tech fell to Duke in the Sweet 16 on March 24, campus has been awaiting Adams’ return for his sec ond season as head coach. Tickets have been going fast and students are preparing for cut-throat lines to get in.

“I will try my best to attend this year’s games, especially seeing how fun they were last year,” Hernandez said. “I be lieve the team has had a great impact towards the students as they receive us well and keep [attendance] interest with the student body as a whole.”

@the daily toreador

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OLIVIA RAYMOND/The Daily Toreador

Senior guard Tatum Veitenheimer (32) dribbles past Texas A&M Corpus Christi’s defense, looking for an open pass at the United Supermarkets Arena Nov. 7, 2022.

Freshman guard Lamar Washington (1) dribbles the ball toward the Red Raiders’ goal while keep ing pressure on Northwestern State’s defense at the United Supermarkets Arena Nov. 7, 2022.

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MEN’S HOOPS

Tech basketball tips off encore season under Adams

By CHRIS WILLIAMS SportS Editor

For nearly everyone in the Texas Tech men’s basketball program, the Nov. 7 season opener against Northwest ern State couldn’t come soon enough. The exception was head coach Mark Adams, who would unsurprisingly prefer more time

ence at home … they’re gonna play hard, I hope they play well.”

It’s easy to see why Adams would want more preparation time. Only three players remain from his inaugural season as head coach: forwards Kevin Obanor and KJ Allen and sopho more center Daniel Batcho. Of the trio, Obanor is the only re

can lead others,” Obanor said. “I know when I was younger, there’s times that you can get hard on yourself (and) be your own biggest critic … I had to tell the guys it’s a game of runs and I believe in you.”

Though Obanor is perhaps the most familiar face to Red Raider fans, it has been the towering Batcho hearing the most praises from the coach ing staff.

With heralded transfer big man Fardaws Aimaq set to miss the entirety of non-con ference play, the Frenchman is slated for a larger role in the 2022-23 season after receiv ing inconsistent minutes as a freshman.

Adams didn’t mince words when asked about the sopho more’s growth on the hardwood.

Red Raiders added five players via the portal, though sopho more Jaylon Tyson was present on Tech’s bench throughout last season after transferring from Texas in December of 2021.

Oregon transfer De’Vion Harmon is the elder states man of the newcomers, with Tech being his third stop in his collegiate career. Harmon has averaged at least one steal per game in each of his three collegiate seasons, including a career-high 1.3 last season, according to Tech Athletics.

Adams spoke on the impact Harmon has had during his short time in Lubbock.

gratitude to be playing there half of the season.

“We talked a lot about protecting our house … Our fans expect it and our staff certainly does,” Adams said. “It’s a remarkable place to coach and to get out on the floor and play in … We want to keep that home court ad

even

“I’m just here to play bas

to clean up a few things.

“Everybody’s happy except me, I wanted about three more weeks of practice before we have to tip it off … but it’s here,” Ad ams said with a smirk. “It’ll be good to get out there and get (the players) some game experi

turning starter from last year’s Sweet 16 roster.

Obanor gave some insight in his leadership style as he enters his fifth season of Division l basketball.

“First I gotta mentor my self and lead myself before I

“He’s just a completely dif ferent player and I think ev erybody will be impressed and surprised to see his progress,” Adams said. “I think that Dan iel’s got a chance to play in the NBA in the next couple years, he’s improved that much.”

After being led by a cast of newcomers a season ago, Tech attacked the transfer portal once again this offseason. The

“His personality is impor tant, his leadership will be as well,” Adams said. “He’s a war rior and he has come in and bought in and been coachable … he’ll be a key ingredient to the success of this team.”

The Red Raiders have been nearly unbeatable within the friendly confines of United Supermarkets Arena in recent seasons, taking a 23-game home win streak into the 2022 season.

Adams called the raucous environment at the arena a “tradition” and expressed his

vantage alive and hopefully undefeated.”

Despite being one of the final 16 programs standing a season ago, the Red Raiders were tabbed as the No. 25 team in the nation by the Associated Press to start the year. Tech was

ketball and leave Tech better than when I found it,” Obanor said. “At the end of the day, they gotta put their shoes on just as we do and may the tougher team win.”

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OLIVIA RAYMOND /The Daily Toreador

Senior guard De’Vion Harmon (23) going up for a layup against Northwestern State at the United Supermarkets Arena Nov. 7, 2022.

OLIVIA RAYMOND /The Daily Toreador Texas Tech men’s basketball head coach Mark Adams reflects following the Red Raiders’ win over Northwestern State at the United Supermarkets Arena Nov. 7, 2022.

PARTY IN THE USA

OLIVIA RAYMOND /The Daily Toreador

Fans pass a beach ball around the student section during the Texas Tech vs. Northwestern State basketball game at United Supermarkets Arena Nov. 7, 2022. The Red Raider extended their home win streak to 24 with the victory over the Demons.

MILLY LATINO /The Daily Toreador Students “swag surf” with the Texas Tech all-girls cheer team during Texas Tech women’s basketball’s season opener against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi at United Supermarkets Arena Nov. 7, 2022. The Lady Raiders were victorious, 69-49.

less favorable in its own conference, being voted fifth (along with Oklahoma State) in the Big 12 Preseason Poll. Obanor said the Red Raid ers are going to keep the same mentality regardless of what number is in front of their name.