2006 Texas Tech Red Raiders Basketball Preview

2006 Texas Tech Red Raiders Basketball Predictions

The highlight reel for Texas Tech this year may start and end with Bobby Knight’s 880th victory, which would make him the coach with the most wins in NCAA basketball, surpassing Dean Smith’s 879. For there to be more to cheer about, players must really step up.

Guard Jarrius Jackson (20.5 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 2.9 APG, 43.5 FG%, 81.3 FT%) often provided much of the team’s offense last season. He led the league in average points per game (20.5), 3-point field goal percentage (44.8) and average minutes played (38.38). On the other side, guard Martin Zeno (13.7 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 2.8 APG, 46.8 FG%, 72.7 FT%) can offer much needed support on offense. Still, Jackson and Zeno need help from the guys in the front.

Last season, Tech finished 11th in the conference in blocked shots, rebounding defense and rebounding margin. Darryl Dora (7.6 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 3.0 APG, 43.7 FG%, 85.4 FT%), senior forward, returns and should be effective, while Jon Plefka (6.2 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 0.6 APG, 42.7 FG%, 76.4 FT%), also a senior forward, will look to find consistency in his game. Tech has recruited some freshmen that can help immediately in the paint, including center Esmir Rizvic (7’ 0” and 250-pounds), forward and former junior college player Jay Mitchell (6’ 8” and 235-pounds) and sophomore forward Rogdrick Craig (6’ 6” and 235-pounds), also a junior college player. If the new guys along with returning forward Damir Suljagic (medical redshirt last season) can beef up the frontcourt, Tech will be a much better team.

Bobby Knight is still fiery and uncontrollable. Last season he guided the team to a losing record of 15- 17 overall and 6- 10 in the Big 12. This season fans, who are discontent with the coach, may see some improvement but not enough to warrant a NCAA berth.

The Texas Tech Red Raiders need more dependable scoring from the frontcourt while requiring the freshmen to step up early. That may be a lot to ask. Texas Tech will not be a bad team, they will merely be mediocre.

If you want more info on the 2006 Texas Tech Red Raiders College basketball team check out the NCAA's official basketball team page of the program or check out some rival previews from Maddux Sports of schools like the Oklahoma State Cowboys and Kansas State Wildcats.