No, it is not too early to start talking about Texas Tech Basketball.
Coming off the heels of a historic season, I don’t see why we can’t find every reason to start looking forward to basketball season.
So lets talk about one coach in particular, a coach who probably doesn’t get the recognition he deserves. This coach is out here quietly turning boys into basketball weapons capable of mass destruction.
His name? John Reilly
The Secret is in the Dirt
This is John Reilly’s mantra that he is instilling into his players. Reilly is entering his third season as the strength and conditioning coach of Texas Tech Men’s Basketball. And while the strength and conditioning coach may not get the same level of recognition as other coaches, his value could not be understated.
Lets take a look at some of the transformations coach Reilly has fostered over the last year:
Tariq Owens
181-201 pounds in 1 month! Tariq Owens making huge progress with more gains to come. @TexasTechMBB #TheSecretsInTheDirt pic.twitter.com/V5gSin75PP
— John Reilly (@coach_jreilly) August 11, 2018
Probably one of the more impressive transformations you’re going to see from coach Reilly's twitter page. Like the tweet says, Owens gained 20 pounds of big-man muscle in just one month. This is going to be big time going forward for both Owens and Texas Tech Men’s Basketball going into the season. I expect Owens to play both power forward and center this season. His skill set may be one that matches a stretch four, but in Chris Beard’s system that favors a “small ball” lineup, I could see Owens getting big minutes at the center spot. However, if Owens is to play center, hes going to have to guard some big dudes. Dylan Osetkowski of Texas is listed as 245 pounds and Kansas’ Udoka Azubuike is a 7 footer coming in at 280 pounds. Owens adding twenty pounds should go a long way if he is asked to guard larger opponents.
Introducing Tariq Owens @TexasTechMBB pic.twitter.com/zhroybl4Jx
— John Reilly (@coach_jreilly) June 28, 2018
Tommy Hamilton
300 to 250 pounds in 8 months. Nothing in life happens until you move. This is why I love my job. Lives change, bodies transform, and confidence is instilled. @Goham0 put in that work! Thank you for everything T. #TransformationTuesday @TexasTechMBB pic.twitter.com/qoJtZwZz1C
— John Reilly (@coach_jreilly) May 1, 2018
Talk about a #TransformationTuesday
Tommy Hamilton was a transfer from DePaul and came to the program heavy. In just eight short months, Hamilton dropped a whopping 50 pounds under the guidance of Reilly, and earned himself a NBA Summer League invite from The San Antonio Spurs.
Kyler Edwards
215 to 197 pounds from June 07-Aug 03. Biggest 2 month transformation of the summer! @K_edwards__ is doing whatever it takes to put himself in position to be great! @TexasTechMBB #TheSecretsInTheDirt pic.twitter.com/4jCcIjiPG1
— John Reilly (@coach_jreilly) August 7, 2018
Whether it’s dropping weight or adding it, the secret’s in the dirt, or maybe its locked away in Coach Reilly’s head. Like it says in the tweet, this is the biggest transformation of the summer. Edwards dropped 18 pounds and looks like he added lean muscle to his frame. One of the biggest transition from high school to college ball is physicality and Edwards appears to be preparing for that transition.
Norense Odiase
300 to 245 pounds. This is what consistency can do for you. No excuses, no explanations, just work. It’s by small and simple things, where greatness comes to pass. Proud of you @kingno_ #GunsUp @TexasTechMBB pic.twitter.com/AkTTtkKitz
— John Reilly (@coach_jreilly) May 4, 2018
I remember meeting Odiase his freshman year, and thinking this a is a big dude. He towered over all of us. And while I don’t want to say the guy was fat... when you look at the before and after pictures, the change is pretty drastic. Down 55 pounds since his arrival, Odiase is ready to be a senior leader on a young roster.
To see the rest of the team’s transformations, go give the coach a follow on his twitter. And maybe you will found out that yes, the secret’s in the dirt. Who do you think has the most impressive transformation. Let me hear you in the comments below.