Red Raiders fans feel only the loss of their coach, who left Lubbock last summer to join their most hated rival, Texas, no matter how Texas is his alma mater. They have been eagerly awaiting his return.
Beard will make his first visit to the Longhorns as their coach on Tuesday night, three day after Texas Tech students had already gathered to try and get in the game against the Red Raiders. The game was sold out for over a month and the best upper-level seats on the secondary ticket marketplace Monday night were selling for $300.
Beard attempted to minimize the importance of his return by calling it the next scheduled game and with lots personal connections. However, he acknowledged that he doesn’t find it surprising that some fans are angry at him.
“Part of it is man. Beard stated that change happens in all aspects of life, including in sports. “No regrets. We left the job feeling better than when we arrived. I have no regrets. I chose to return to my alma mater to take on this challenge. We all have the right of making choices. You know what? That’s exactly what we did.
On social media, videos posted Monday night showed Texas Tech fans and students lining the tunnel entrances as the Longhorns team bus arrived to the arena. Unison chants were heard using an expletive directed against Texas.
Beard was seated in the front row, facing the bus, when the bus pulled away to go. A large crowd followed, many of whom gave Beard the middle finger.
Texas Tech has identical 16-5 records to Texas. Both teams are also 5-3 in Big 12 heading into the game that will close out the first half their conference schedules.
Under Mark Adams, the Red Raiders are now 13-0 at home and have won over Kansas. , 65, was Beard’s top assistant. He grew up 40 miles from Lubbock campus. decided to stay and get the job he always longed for at .
It’s unlikely that there will be the same reception in Lubbock for Beard as what Rick Barnes received in Austin on Saturday night when the Longhorns coach made a stop with his Tennessee team.
Texas players wore warm up shirts with the message “Thank you Coach Barnes” before the Tennessee game. This was in tribute to the coach, who won a school record 402 games during his 17-year tenure before being fired in 2015.
Adams said earlier Monday that he was not surprised by some of the animosity from former coaches.
“Oh, it’s kinda a love-hate relationship, there are a lot emotions there. Adams stated that it was to be expected. He then reminded Beard fans that, regardless of how they feel about Beard’s performance, “it is a Big 12 game. It’s big for us.”
Texas Tech will bring in Ric Flair, a legendary wrestler, to boost an already enthusiastic fan base.
“We know it’s going to be hostile, but we believe we’re built for it,” stated Timmy Allen. His free throw with six seconds remaining was the difference in the Longhorns’ 52-51 victory over Tennessee.
Beard was previously at Tech between 2001-11 as an associate head coach for Bob Knight (and then Pat Knight) and was 112-55 during his five seasons as head coaching. In 2018, the Red Raiders reached the NCAA Elite Eight, and then finished 31-7 with after a loss in overtime to Virginia in the national championship game.
“I was there for 15 years, and I gave everything I had. Beard stated that he didn’t take a day off physically or mentally. “Our success together is real. It’s well documented.”
Eight newcomers to the Red Raiders this season include seven Division I transfer players. Only five players from last season’s Beard team are still available, including Terrence Shannon (standout) and Kevin McCullar. Bryson Williams, a transfer, was the leading scorer for Beard. He played the past two seasons at UTEP as Rodney Terry’s top assistant at Texas.
“I have a lot of respect for the coach and program. “… Togetherm, we did build an undeniable advantage on the home court and look forward to being in that environment,” Beard said. He also stated that he wishes all the Red Raiders the best and that he respects the fans and everyone else in Lubbock.
You won’t get a chance to enjoy enchiladas and BBQ sandwiches until another day.
Beard stated, “I love the food of West Texas in Lubbock.” “This will be a more business trip so it’ll likely be another one with catered fluffy meals.”
