The Texas Tech Red Raiders were on the short end of Duke’s Magic in the Sweet 16 last March, falling 78-73 at the hands of Mike Krzyzewski in their final playoff run.
Despite falling below the Elite Eight after being consistent as one of the best teams in the nation, the Red Raiders are looking for more in 2022-23. But after a season in which Tech missed Fardaus, one of the nation’s top transfers, and earned a commitment from one of the best high school players in North America, Elijah Fisher, did Tech approach the season being overlooked?
ESPN released its updated Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings for the 2022-23 season Tuesday and ranked Texas Tech at No. 24, two spots lower than where the team was ranked in the previous release. That spot, likely lower than many fans expected, puts Tech below other Big 12 foes like No. 8 Baylor, No. 6 Kansas, No. 11 Texas and No. 17 TCU.
Here’s what ESPN had to say about the rankings:
The Red Raiders should have one of the best frontcourt duos in the Big 12 next season, with Fardaus Aimak joining Kevin O’Banor up front. Aimack Callen, one of the best rebounders in college basketball, should free up O’Banor in the post — he’s attempted one fewer 3-pointer than 2-pointer — even to create matchup issues for opponents on the perimeter. Mark Adams will need some of his newcomers to step up on the perimeter as he will have nothing to return in the backcourt. De’Vion Harmon is a proven producer at two top-major schools, and there’s also plenty of shooting potential from DeMaurien Williams (Garder-Webb) and Kerwin Walton (North Carolina). Recruiting Elias Fisher and Texas transfer Jaylon Tyson are the X factors.
And ESPN’s Five is expected to start.
– Divion Harmon
– Kerwin Walton
– Elijah Fisher
– Kevin O’Banor
– Fardaws Aimaq
Preseason rankings mean little to Mark Adams and staff. Last season, the Red Raiders started the year unranked before rising to No. 9 in the nation to go along with an 18-0 record at home.
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