USA Today via Reuters
Feb 9, 2021; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders head coach Chris Beard reacts after receiving a technical foul in the second half during the game with the West Virginia Mountaineers at United Supermarkets Arena. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 9, 2021; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders head coach Chris Beard reacts after receiving a technical foul in the second half during the game with the West Virginia Mountaineers at United Supermarkets Arena. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Teams across the country celebrated Senior Night yesterday. Many seniors got the farewell they deserve, but Texas Tech Red Raiders stole the show. In their final home game of the season, student manager Ty Larson got his chance to don the jersey.
Coach Chris Beard showed his class by allowing Larson to finally get his chance. Larson was a former player during junior college but he knew he was past his playing days. He joined the Red Raiders as a student manager to take the first steps towards coaching. Beard reveals he had spoken to Larson two years ago about trying to get him some game time during Senior Night, and last night he kept his word.
With just one other senior on the roster in Marcus Santos-Silva, Beard allowed Larson to dress as well. He secured eligibility to feature in the morning and by the end of the day; he was the star attraction at Senior Night.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Texas Tech Red Raiders give MVP chants to Ty Larson
With less than a minute to go, the Red Raiders had a 27 point lead. Coach Beard took the opportunity to bring in Larson to get some playing time. Beard is a coach who prides on defensive grit and grind, so he would have been proud of Larson’s debut.
As the Iowa State Cyclones’ forward Javan Johnson drove in for a layup, Larson stood his ground and drew a charge. The commentator also mentioned how Beard would value his charge more than a bucket. The home crowd was delighted by the play and cheered loud for Larson. In fact, he also drew MVP chants as the game ended.
Got an MVP chant from the student section. Ty Larson got his moment. That's really cool. https://t.co/eb2NjQyQHb
— Carlos Silva Jr. (@cmsilvajr) March 5, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
It will be a moment Larson will forever cherish, and Beard’s classy touch will go a long way for him. After being in the NCAA tournament final just two years ago, this season hasn’t been the most successful one so far. But this will be one of the biggest highlights of their season.
Thank you to the best fans in the country. We are not done yet. #GunsUp pic.twitter.com/6x5PNHwqDO
— Ty Larson (@TyLarson0) March 5, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Red Raiders now face the Baylor Bears in their final game of the season. Unbeaten for most of the season, the Bears surprisingly fell to the Kansas Jayhawks on February 28. The Bears have bounced back with two big wins since then, and will be a huge threat to Beard’s team. It is likely to be a loss for them but they won’t go down without a fight.
