10 Texas Tech Players In The Nba

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The Texas Tech Red Raiders men's basketball team has a rich history of producing talented players who have gone on to successful careers in the National Basketball Association (NBA). With a strong program and a loyal fan base, Texas Tech has become a breeding ground for NBA-caliber talent. In this article, we'll take a look at 10 Texas Tech players who have made it to the NBA.

Why Texas Tech is a Hub for NBA Talent

Texas Tech's success in producing NBA players can be attributed to its strong basketball program, which has been built on a foundation of hard work, dedication, and a commitment to excellence. The Red Raiders have a long history of competing at the highest level, with several conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances under their belt. This level of competition and exposure has helped to attract top talent to the program, which in turn has led to a steady stream of players making the jump to the NBA.

10 Texas Tech Players in the NBA

1. Danny Wagner: A 6'8" forward from Long Beach, California, Wagner played for the Red Raiders from 1995 to 1999. He was a key contributor to the team's success during his time in Lubbock, earning All-Big 12 honors and helping the team reach the NCAA Tournament. Wagner was drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics in the second round of the 1999 NBA draft.

2. Tony Battie: A 6'11" center from Dallas, Texas, Battie played for the Red Raiders from 1995 to 1999. He was a dominant force in the paint, earning All-Big 12 honors and leading the team to the NCAA Tournament. Battie was drafted by the Vancouver Grizzlies in the first round of the 1999 NBA draft.

3. Andy Ellis: A 6'9" forward from Abilene, Texas, Ellis played for the Red Raiders from 1999 to 2003. He was a versatile player who could score, rebound, and defend, earning All-Big 12 honors and helping the team reach the NCAA Tournament. Ellis went undrafted but played several seasons in the NBA Development League.

4. Will Chavis: A 6'5" guard from Houston, Texas, Chavis played for the Red Raiders from 2000 to 2004. He was a prolific scorer who earned All-Big 12 honors and helped the team reach the NCAA Tournament. Chavis went undrafted but played several seasons overseas.

5. Jarrius Jackson: A 6'1" guard from Monroe, Louisiana, Jackson played for the Red Raiders from 2003 to 2007. He was a dynamic scorer who earned All-Big 12 honors and helped the team reach the NCAA Tournament. Jackson was drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers in the second round of the 2007 NBA draft.

6. Martin Zeno: A 6'5" guard from Sulphur Springs, Texas, Zeno played for the Red Raiders from 2004 to 2008. He was a versatile player who could score, rebound, and defend, earning All-Big 12 honors and helping the team reach the NCAA Tournament. Zeno went undrafted but played several seasons overseas.

7. John Roberson: A 5'11" guard from Plano, Texas, Roberson played for the Red Raiders from 2007 to 2011. He was a prolific scorer who earned All-Big 12 honors and helped the team reach the NCAA Tournament. Roberson went undrafted but played several seasons overseas.

8. Jordan Tolbert: A 6'7" forward from Fort Worth, Texas, Tolbert played for the Red Raiders from 2011 to 2014. He was a dominant force in the paint, earning All-Big 12 honors and helping the team reach the NCAA Tournament. Tolbert went undrafted but played several seasons in the NBA Development League.

9. Robert Turner: A 6'3" guard from Carrollton, Texas, Turner played for the Red Raiders from 2012 to 2015. He was a versatile player who could score, rebound, and defend, earning All-Big 12 honors and helping the team reach the NCAA Tournament. Turner went undrafted but played several seasons overseas.

10. Zhaire Smith: A 6'5" guard from Garland, Texas, Smith played for the Red Raiders from 2016 to 2018. He was a dynamic scorer who earned All-Big 12 honors and helped the team reach the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. Smith was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the 2018 NBA draft.

Gallery of Texas Tech NBA Players

Conclusion

Texas Tech has a proud tradition of producing talented basketball players who have gone on to successful careers in the NBA. From Danny Wagner to Zhaire Smith, these 10 players have made a lasting impact on the program and have helped to establish Texas Tech as a hub for NBA talent. Whether you're a die-hard Red Raiders fan or just a lover of college hoops, it's clear that Texas Tech is a program to watch.