TTU Basketball Prepares for Season Opener Against North Florida
If you haven’t heard yet, it’s that time of year once again, college basketball season. TTU Basketball, after coming off a long off-season, will begin to prepare for their season opener against the North Florida Ospreys. The season opener is slated to be played in Lubbock, Texas, at United Supermarkets Arena, Tuesday, November 9th at 7 pm.
What to Expect
After the 2020-2021 season ended, much of the Red Raider basketball roster dispersed, including coaches and players. Big names such as Mark Adams, Terrance Shannon Jr, and Kevin McCullar returned, and fans can expect the same hardnosed play style to continue.
In recent news Terrance Shannon Jr. and the university has stated that Shannon will not play in Tuesday’s home opener against North Florida. After last season Shannon made plans to enter the NBA draft but changed his mind and came back to Texas Tech. In the midst of this the Red Raiders are playing it safe to make sure Shannon is 100% eligible for the 2021-2022 season.
Possible Starting Five
With Shannon out, there are a few names that come about when looking for who will replace him in the season opener. A couple good temporary replacements could be either Chibuzo Agbo, KJ Allen or Adonis Arms. While Shannon is a versatile player being able to play the guard or forward position both Agbo and Allen can do so as well. With that look for the three to find who will fill the spot moving forward.
Kevin McCullar
While the starting five has not been named, there is much speculation as to who you can expect to see on the court this season. The most obvious player returning and set to play Tuesday is Kevin McCullar. McCullar had a phenomenal season last year and will look to return in a dominant manner.
The next three players for the Red Raiders starting five are still in the air, but our prediction is Kevin Obanor, Davion Warren, and Bryson Williams.
Kevin Obanor
Obanor is a senior transfer from Oral Roberts and is also coming off one of his best seasons. Standing at 6’8” and 235 pounds, Obanor is an elite scorer and has the size and athleticism to play any position on the floor.
Davion Warren
Davion Warren is a super-senior transfer from Hampton and led his team and conference in points. Many would say he is the wildcard on the team on whether or not he will start. He has proven to be an elite scorer, and the Red Raiders will look to him to do so. Standing at 6’6” and 205 pounds, Warren should be a big name for the Red Raiders in the 2021 season.
Bryson Williams/Marcus Santos-Silva
The last plausible starter for the Red Raiders is transfer super-senior Bryson Williams. Williams came in the off-season from UTEP and played forward but also can play the center position. Standing at 6’8” and 240 pounds Williams and Marcos Santos-Silva may switch at the position for relief.
While the names stated are plausible starters, the Red Raiders have depth. With many options as to who they could start, so it will be that much more interesting to see how it plays out.
North Florida
As TTU Basketball prepares for their season opener they have some great competition in their season and home opener. The North Florida Ospreys are coming off an 8-15 season, but have since brought in multiple recruits. The Ospreys are coming into the 2021-2022 season with a fairly diverse roster. While it is somewhat unpredictable as to what may happen, the Red Raiders hold athleticism and size over North Florida.
In the contest, look for the Red Raiders to establish themselves down low early. Tech’s scorers will have open looks and get a good feel for how the Red Raiders will play this season if they can do so.
Overall on TTU Basketball Season Opener
Overall, TTU Basketball is now preparing for their season opener against the North Florida Ospreys. With a roster loaded full of athletes and guys who can play both ways. The 2021-2022 season is sure to be one for the books. The season opener is slated to be played in Lubbock, Texas, at United Supermarkets, Tuesday, November 9th at 7 pm.
Tickets for the season and home opener are still available at TexasTech.com. Or you can watch live on Big 12 Now/ESPN+ or listen live at Double T 97.3 and Texas Tech Sports Network.
For Texas Tech Basketball’s entire schedule click here!
For more Texas Tech Basketball roster previews click here!
Story by Campus Live Employee Trinity Porter