Texas Tech’s Perfect Storm Started on a West Texas Ranch

Apr 08, 2019 · 12 comments
PaulB67 (Charlotte NC)
One of Texas Tech's players, Davide Moretti, is from Italy and played in the Italia League -- which, I think, is a professional basketball organization. If true, how could he have been eligible to play for a U.S. college team?
M from TX (Austin, TX)
@PaulB67I don't know specifics to Moretti, but from what I see it's not always straightforward. The NCAA can review prior sports participation for determination of amateurism, and grant certification of eligibility, on a case-by-case basis. From the NCAA .org FAQs about eligibility -- (https://ncaa.egain.cloud/kb/EligibilityHelp/content/KB-2058/Am-I-automatically-ineligible-if-I-violated-the-amateurism-rules)
Doc Outside the Box (WI)
Beard's approach is taken right out of the football movie, Remember the Titans
smae (Kerrville, Tx)
Last night's game, while disappointing because TT didn't win, was an example of superb basketball playing by this team! I just began watching them at the semi-finals and was incredulous at their team spirit which constantly shows on the court. They are truly the winners - the game showed that both teams deserved to be in the finals, but to me it was just a matter of time - when the time ran out who was ahead, it could have been either team. Another fact that impressed me is that TT has team players FROM Texas, while Virginia had none from Virginia. Yes, college basketball is big time for financial reasons, but surely there were players from Virginia that would have loved being on their team.
M Dillon (New Mexico)
Naysayers...UVA...TT was the best game ever...next year Coach Beard
PaleMale (Hanover nh)
All those colleges from which the players transferred should get a piece of the title if Tech wins tonight. And maybe next year's tournament should insist that the starting five have actually attended the institution they represent for more than a couple of years.
Tom (Temecula)
Yes let’s not allow kids to transfer schools after they graduate or if their coach leaves. That seems logical.
Quinticius (Maryland)
Something singularly compelling about Coach Beard. The talent of leading young men to work together and having them buy in to playing suffocating team defense is mind blowing. He is a breath of fresh air. I also love the fact that he just straight up kissed his player in joy. Great article a lot to learn about team bonding and leadership that you may not get elsewhere
woofer (Seattle)
It will be interesting to see where Beard ends up next year. If tonight's rival Tony Bennett decides to stay put, Beard could end up at UCLA. An ability to build teams on the fly would qualify him for the job. Plus, who wouldn't prefer karaoke and brotherly bonding on the beach at Malibu?
Steph (Phoenix)
Love this article. It makes tonight's game more fun because I know a little more about the players.
J'Dub (Houston)
Wreck 'Em!!
Ann (Texas)
@J'Dub Completely! Go Tech!