Basketball

CBS Sports is ranking the top 101 players and Kevin Obanor checks in at #54:

We think Obanor’s final college season will be his best. The onus is really on him now that Fardaws Aimaq (who would’ve made our list had he not required foot surgery recently) won’t be on the floor for at least the first half of TTU’s season. Obanor (10.0 ppg, 5.5 rpg) is the only starter back for a Texas Tech squad that turns over the majority of its roster. Fewer than 14 points per night would be a surprise. — MN

Also from CBS Sports, they rank the top 101 teams and Texas Tech checks in at #24:

The Red Raiders fall fifth among Big 12 teams, which speaks to how much respect Mark Adams is already receiving. TTU has one starter back. Prized transfer center Fardaws Aimaq is hurt. The big guy returner is Kevin Obanor, who did well for himself (10.0 ppg, 5.5 rpg) after coming over from Oral Roberts. He’ll likely need to up those averages to 15 and 7 if TTU is to keep momentum after making the Sweet 16, where it fell in a tough game to Duke. The Red Raiders bring in De’Vion Harmon, who is familiar with the conference, having previously been a Sooner before spending last season with Oregon. Another player incoming is one with positive vibes attached: 6-5 wing Kerwin Walton left UNC to play for Adams. Aimaq is the key, though. He broke his foot and is targeting a midseason return. If he can be mostly healthy, his physicality and tremendous rebounding prowess (13.6 per game last season, 15.0 the year before at Utah Valley) will be the thing that gets the Red Raiders precious victories in the February stretch.

For comparison purposes, Kansas is at #2, Baylor at #6, Texas at #11, Kansas at #12, and TCU at #21.

Red Raider Sports’ Brandon Soliz writes about the media scrum with KJ Allen and Kevin Obanor. Since we’ve heard so much from Obanor here’s a bit from Allen discussing his role:

Allen said everyone on this year’s Texas Tech roster is excited to play. The roster is made up of a lot of new faces. Allen said he is using his experience from last season to help the newcomers get adjusted.

As a veteran on this team, Allen said he plans to help the team win any way that he can. He does expect to be more of a bruiser, though, for this squad. He wants to play like Draymond Green by helping get rebounds and playing with energy.

Steve Green now runs the Texas Tech offense. Allen said he loves the new look because there’s plenty of ways to score the ball. He expects them to be strong on defense but now with a fast-paced offense while looking to move the ball around the court with Green.

There’s a lot more there, including a summary from Obanor’s meeting with the media so check it out.

Football

Some accolades to recognize: Xavier White was named to the Burlsworth Trophy watch list which goes to the player who started as a walk-on; Tyree Wilson is named to the Chuck Bednarik watch list for the best defensive player; and Tony Bradford, Jr. is named to Wuerffel Trophy watch list for college football’s premiere award for community service.