Texas Tech Hoops | VTM Staff Weekly Roundtable (Week #7)

The Red Raiders have won the games they were favored in and lost the games that they were considered underdogs. In those games at times they have looked both good and bad. Currently at 7-5 in non-conference play is our Texas Tech team where you expected them to be at this point from the beginning of the season? Why or why not?

Seth - I have a hard time heaping on big expectations the first year for a coach. It's part of the reason I'm so excited about next year, because Tubby Smith has the unique opportunity to re-make the team with a handful of scholarships available, with high school and JUCO recruits. That's the biggest difference between football and basketball, which is the turnaround can be immediate if the coach gets the right group of players. I still think this team is playing better than they were last year, even if the record doesn't prove that out. Generally speaking, I think the Texas Tech fanbase really doesn't appreciate how low the program had fallen after Gillispie left the team in shambles. So, with that being said, yes, I'm pleased with where things are. I would have loved to upset LSU, but to be within a bucket at the end of the game means that this team is playing better basketball.

MikeTTU - Actually, Texas Tech is exactly where I thought they would be, 7-5 with the wins and loses they have. They've dominated FCS teams, beat a descant Houston team, lost big to good teams like Pitt, Alabama and both Arizona's, and almost pulled out a victory against LSU. However, it is certain that they are better than last year.While Tech is still being out rebounded, losing turnovers, and getting in long droughts, they slightly improved from last year. With Tubby and Cos coaching and passion, maybe these mistakes will diminish and will result in Tech wins we didn't expect

DanSwany - In terms of wins and losses Tech is not where I expected them to be. I actually thought they would be 8-4 with a win over LSU at this point when I was trying to make realistic expectations at the beginning of the season.

But, the team is playing better on the court during the games than I had expected at this point in the season. I think that it is more important that the team does well and looks good fundamentally then the wins and loss record. Wins might be what gets the fans in the seats and will gain attention from other people, but I am happy with the progress that Tech basketball has made up to this point in the season. I hope we keep rolling along and getting better, the wins will come once we find our groove. The Big 12 games will be fun to watch, I think we will surprise some of our opponents.