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Mid-June Roster Predictions: Who Will Start for the Red Raiders?

Photo CC: Texas Tech

With the addition of Kerwin Walton official, the number of players on the roster with scholarships sits at 13, and I believe it will stay that way. I don’t anticipate anyone else departing the program and I also don’t see anyone currently on the market being recruited by Texas Tech. With all that said, here are my Mid-June roster predictions for the Red Raiders:

Point Guard

Starter: De’Vion Harmon

Harmon is the most experienced ball-handler on this team and will be a sure-fire upgrade in this spot. His ability to command an offense is something that was lacking from last season’s team and is something that will be welcomed.

Backups: Pop Pop Isaacs, Kerwin Walton, Ethan Duncan, Corey Williams Jr.

Isaacs will take most of the backup minutes here, but Walton could take a few possessions each game. Walton averaged nearly 2 assists per game in his first season at North Carolina and has excellent floor vision. Duncan will still be developing this season in my opinion and won’t see too much floor time. All three can shoot the rock, something that was also missing last season.

Shooting Guard:

Starter: Jaylon Tyson

In this system, there’s not a true small forward so I’ll put 2 starters here for this position. Tyson will provide an elite scorer at the wing and a solid defender that will match up with the opposing team’s 2nd best wing scorer.

Starter: Elijah Fisher

His jumper needs a little bit of work but every other aspect of Fisher’s game is elite. The man is one of the best finishers near the rim I’ve seen from a 6’6″ player and has the athleticism to get to the rim with ease. He was also the best defensive player in the entire FIBA U18 Americas Tournament last week and locked down whoever he matched up with. There’s no doubt in my mind he’ll defend the opposing team’s best guard.

Backups: D’Maurian Williams, Lamar Washington, Clarence Nadolny, Kerwin Walton

I honestly don’t know where to begin with this backup group. They could all potentially start at some point this season and I don’t know which one will earn the most minutes. Nadolny and Williams have the most experience so I’d give them the nod at first. Williams is the best offensive player and Nadolny is the best defender on this list. All four could play huge roles for this team.

Power Forward:

Starter: Kevin Obanor

The only starter coming back from last season, Obanor will be the leader of this team. He’s a double-double threat and an elite shooter from the outside. I expect an elite season from Obanor this season, one that could garner him First Team All-Big 12.

Backups: KJ Allen, Robert Jennings

KJ Allen could be in line for a nice season as the main forward coming off the bench. If the team wants to play big, he could easily defend a guard and could fill in as a guard on offense. He looks ripped this offseason and was already bouncy last season. Jennings could also see some time off the bench this season but isn’t as well known.

Center:

Starter: Fardaws Aimaq

Aimaq was the best pickup from the transfer portal this offseason. He averaged a double-double last season for Utah Valley and was the best player in that conference. He can stretch the floor and will be a force to be reckoned with come November.

Backups: Daniel Batcho, Malik Ondigo, Austin Timperman

Batcho will get the vast majority of backup minutes here but having Malik Ondigo back makes it incredibly interesting. Batcho is arguably the best rebounder on this team and is versatile enough to guard anyone. Ondigo was a solid defender in his time at Tech and I heard he’s been working on his strength in his time away from the game.

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