After the Texas Tech game last night in the press conference here is what Tubby Smith had to say about Toddrick Gotcher’s leadership…

Toddrick is a true leader. I think he’s loved by all the teammates. Everyone is pulling for him to do well. When you’re as unselfish as he is and as committed as he is and the respect that he earns from his teammates day‐in and day‐out. It couldn’t happen to a better kid, and that’s why his energy is contagious throughout the team. It happens because of the respect factor.

In his 5th season at Texas Tech on the basketball team the redshirted senior is starting out strong this year. He has always been a huge factor, especially last season where he went from the sixth man role to breaking his way into the starting lineup. The grit and strength that Gotcher brings to the backcourt is always a plus, he was always known for his hustle and defense. After these first 8 games he has taken his offense to the next level.

A minor increase in minutes from last season from 24.2 mpg to 27.6 mpg has come, but it is his other stats that show he is on pace to have an electrifying season if he can keep them up. He is shooting the ball at a rate of 2.6 more shots a game. Yet, he has increased his field goal percentage from 38% to 44%. From downtown he has been on fire and increased his three-point shooting percentage as well. In his last three games alone he is 12-21 (57%) from outside the arc. Shooting more and making more has Gotcher averaging in double figures on scoring at 11.4 ppg.

One important quality of a senior leader is to led by example. Gotcher has increased his free throw shooting percentage from 68% to 88% in just one offseason. The team as a whole has shown much improvement in their free throw shooting, which is a factor of getting in more practice at the line. Last night the Red Raiders had no trouble putting the Jackrabbits away, what helped was at the charity stripe they were 20-24 (83%) from the free throw line.

All of Gotcher’s other offensive numbers have started out at their highest point from any other season. Rebounds per game at 5.1 from 2.7, and assists per game at 2.4 from 1.5. This is all while he has just wrapped up his masters degree from Tech and is about to be working on his second graduate degree!

Dear God, Thank You! pic.twitter.com/6jpITRGsas

— Toddrick Gotcher2⃣0⃣ (@LeagueME20) December 12, 2015

One of the things that speaks louder than words is a student-athlete that accomplishes goals in the classroom as well as on the playing field. Gotcher is a special type of student-athlete for Tech, and we can all be proud he is a Red Raider. Here is Gotcher on answering a few questions after the victory last evening.

On the focus in practice that led to season‐high steals and turnovers…  
“The big focus was talking because we know that they run a lot of motion. It is a lot of set plays, and you never know what is coming. Coach Smith really harped on that.”

On the team’s improved free throw shooting…
“I think that is big. In the past, we have not been a good free throw shooting team. Everyone is knocking them down now, and that is a good sign coming up for the Big 12 [games]. At the end of the games, we are going to need them.”

On the players taking control and not relying so much on the coaches…
“I think we did that [take control of the game]. We really talked on the court. Behind closed doors, the players did a good job of communicating and hyping each other up. We are a family, we’re brothers. Just to know that we take leadership on our own. That it really showed tonight after the run.”

On the team committing only nine turnovers…
“We are starting to have less turnovers throughout the season. It’s shows that we are improving. It’s a big step to winning games. The team with the most turnovers will usually lose. If we have less turnovers, we can put more shots up.”

On the biggest reason behind fewer turnovers…
“I think we are just not forcing things. We aren’t trying to go one on one and force passes that aren’t there. We try to hit the open man, and that’s what we’ve been doing.”

I don’t expect the hot start for Gotcher to slow down, we will need it to keep winning these games. The Red Raiders are on pace to do some impressive things this season. Let’s keep cheering this squad to victory! Even some of the national media guys are starting to notice the Texas Tech basketball program…

@RedRayderz01 I did watch much of Red Raiders game. Beat solid mid-major team. Sophomores getting better. Zach Smith a highlight reel dunker

— Fran Fraschilla (@franfraschilla) December 17, 2015

Wreck ’em Tech!!!