Texas Tech: Breeding Ground for Basketball Beasts (or at Least Guys Who Can Jump Really High)
So, you're curious about how many NBA superstars honed their skills in the dusty plains of West Texas, wielding tumbleweeds like jump ropes and perfecting their three-pointers against howling coyotes? Buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to unveil the truth about Texas Tech and the NBA.
Not Quite UCLA, But We Hold Our Own
Let's be honest, Texas Tech isn't exactly churning out LeBron Jameses on a monthly basis. We haven't quite reached the level of "Shaq Attack" or "Air Jordan" alumni (yet... any recruits listening?). But hey, there's always time, right? Just gotta manifest that championship energy into the recruiting pool.
The OG and the High-Flyers (and the Short-Lived Wonders)
We do boast a respectable number of NBA veterans, though. Tony Battie, the OG (Original Gangster) of Red Raider NBA success, was drafted a whopping fifth overall in 1997. This man was a rebounding machine, yanking down boards like a squirrel preparing for winter. Just imagine the biceps!
Texas Tech also has a knack for finding guys who can defy gravity. Zhaire Smith, drafted in 2018, could jump out of the gym with such ease, it was like watching a human pogo stick. Injuries may have slowed him down faster than a tumbleweed in a tornado, but his hops were legendary.
The "Who Dats?" of Texas Tech Basketball
Let's face it, every program has a few draft picks that make you tilt your head in confusion. Mac McClung, the high-flying, rim-rattling internet sensation drafted in 2021, definitely falls into this category. Some folks scratched their heads harder than a dog trying to understand magic tricks. But hey, the man can put on a show, and that's something we can all appreciate (even if his NBA career was brief).
The Future is Bright (Hopefully)
Texas Tech isn't a one-hit wonder, though. We keep churning out talented players. Guys like Jarrett Culver and Kyler Edwards are showing promise in the NBA. Who knows, maybe the next basketball messiah is honing their three-pointer right here in Lubbock. Just gotta avoid distractions like... well, tumbleweeds, mostly.
So, there you have it. The not-so-secret history of Texas Tech and the NBA. We may not be a factory of superstars (yet!), but we've got a scrappy bunch with heart, hustle, and the occasional ability to leap tall buildings in a single bound (or at least the free throw line).
