In His Words

Matt Mooney spoke with A-J Media’s Carlos Silva, Jr. about his decision and said that Texas Tech’s style of play would push Mooney:

“I had a gut feeling, and it’s something I talked with family and people I trust,” Mooney said. “Texas Tech’s style of play is something I’m not used to and they have players that will push me. It’s something that intrigued me.”

Mooney also added that there are other players that will be able push Mooney, like Jarrett Culver, Davide Moretti and Brandone Francis. I love that he’s not afraid of the competition.

Where Mooney Fits

This is my own personal opinion, so take it for what it’s worth, but my own two cents is that the coaching staff sees Mooney as a Keenan Evans type of player. A guy that can create and finish inside, he can hit his free throws (83%) and can also hit the outside shot. I don’t think that Mooney will replace Evans’ point production, but I do think that Mooney will replicate a lot of what Evans did in the 4th quarter.

I think this means that you’ll see three guards, a forward and a center starting. My money is on Culver and Mooney starting as far as the guards, Francis at forward and then Owens at center. In a Slack chat and actual real conversations with LaBarre, he’s not sure that Mooney will average double-figures and I tend to think that Mooney will get the green light to shoot from anywhere and there’s so much scoring that needs to be replaced, I tend to see Beard trusting Mooney to have the ball in the 4th quarter.

And just spit ballin’ here, I could see CJ Roberts with Culver, Mooney, Francis and Owens as a first team. Moretti, Edwards (who can create as well), Corprew, Moore and Odiase/Ondigo as the second team.

Eligibility Chart

It’s been a whirlwind of graduation, declarations, commitments and more. There are thirteen spots available each year and Texas Tech has one spot remaining after Mooney’s commitment. The red boxes are if the redshirt is available. Not all players in basketball use the redshirt, but I’m showing you for your information more than anything else.