What to make of Texas Tech basketball before Big 12 Conference play begins

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Nonconference play has concluded, meaning the Texas Tech basketball team can now turn its focus to what is sure to be a grueling 20-game Big 12 Conference schedule, starting with UCF on Dec. 31.

The first 11 games of the season have been a mixed bag for the Red Raiders (9-2), mostly because the team continues to shuffle bodies in and out of the lineup. Texas Tech has yet to have all of its main rotational pieces available at the same time, making Grant McCasland’s job a bit more difficult.

Still, there are a few things that have stood out so far. Here’s a look at what we’ve learned about the Red Raiders to this point, plus a peak at Texas Tech’s NCAA tournament and Big 12 outlook.

More: Texas Tech basketball: Shorthanded Red Raiders close non-conference with dominant win over Lamar

Chance McMillian is ascending for Texas Tech basketball

Darrion Williams and JT Toppin have gotten most of the focus for the Red Raiders, and for good reason. Chance McMillian, though, has not only emerged as a very good third guy, he’s playing the best basketball of his career.

McMillian continues to be an assassin from 3-point range, but the super-senior guard has taken everything else to another level. He’s become elite in the mid-range game and reliable on the glass, utilizing the tip board for even more points.

Entering Saturday’s nonconference finale, McMillian was second in the country in 3-point percentage (53.85%) and 28th in the country in total field goal percentage (60.22%). Listed at 6-foot-2 on the NCAA website, he is tied with Kentucky’s Lamont Butler for the shortest player among the top 30 in the country in this category.

Texas Tech’s Chance McMillian shoots a 3 against Bethune-Cookman during a non-conference basketball game, Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at United Supermarkets Arena.

Darrion Williams is the ultimate chess piece

There’s no shortage of options when it comes to using Darrion Williams. Most affective operating out of the wing, Williams spent plenty of time as Tech’s defacto 5…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/texas-tech-basketball-big-12-100619105.html

Author : Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

Publish date : 2024-12-22 10:06:00

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