Texas Tech: Breeding Ground for Ballers (and a Few Head-Scratchers)
So, you're curious about the NBA all-stars who honed their skills in the dusty plains of West Texas, huh? Well, buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to take a trip down memory lane at Texas Tech University.
The Hall of Famers (Not Really, But We Wish)
Let's be honest, Texas Tech isn't exactly UCLA when it comes to churning out NBA legends. We haven't had a Shaquille O'Neal or a Michael Jordan grace our court... yet. But hey, there's always time, right?
Tony Battie: The OG (Original Gangster)
We do have our fair share of NBA veterans, though. Tony Battie, drafted 5th overall in 1997, was the first Red Raider to crack the first round. The man was a rebounding machine, bringing down boards like a squirrel stockpiling nuts for winter. Just imagine the biceps!
The High-Flyers (and Low-Flyers) of the Draft
Texas Tech has a knack for finding athletic freaks. Zhaire Smith, drafted in 2018, could jump out of the gym (literally, dude defied gravity). Unfortunately, injuries slowed him down faster than a tumbleweed in a tornado.
Then there's Andre Emmett, a scoring machine in college, but his NBA career was about as short-lived as a reality TV romance. Hey, not everyone can translate their game to the big leagues.
The "Who Dats?" of Texas Tech Basketball
Listen, Texas Tech throws some curveballs in the draft sometimes. Remember Mac McClung, the high-flying, rim-rattling legend of the internet? Drafted in 2021, 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.
The Future is Bright (Hopefully)
Texas Tech keeps churning out talented players. Guys like Jarrett Culver and Kyler Edwards are showing promise in the NBA. Who knows, maybe the next LeBron James is prepping his three-pointer right here in Lubbock.
So, there you have it. The not-so-definitive guide to Texas Tech's NBA alumni. It ain't all superstars, but it's a team full of heart, hustle, and the occasional head-scratching draft pick. We'll keep you updated on the next generation of Red Raider ballers taking the NBA by storm... hopefully!
This page may contain affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
💡 Breath fresh Air with this Air Purifier with washable filter.
