In a move that has paid significant dividends, Texas Tech head coach Grant McCasland brought in former Wyoming head coach Jeff Linder to run the Red Raiders’ offense. This unconventional partnership has been the key to Texas Tech’s success, with the team currently ranked No. 9 in the country and boasting the best offense in school history.
McCasland and Linder’s relationship dates back to their time together at Midland College, where Linder served as McCasland’s assistant. McCasland has often referred to Linder as the “most brilliant offensive mind” he knows, and it’s clear that Linder’s expertise has been a game-changer for the Red Raiders.
Linder’s decision to leave his head coaching position at Wyoming to join McCasland’s staff at Texas Tech was a surprising one, but it’s clear that he was drawn to the program’s resources and commitment to excellence. With Linder on board, the Red Raiders have been able to unleash a potent offense that has left opponents struggling to keep up.
One of the key factors in Texas Tech’s success has been Linder’s ability to empower his best players and ride the hot hand. This approach has been particularly effective with big man JT Toppin, who has become one of the nation’s highest usage bigs. Toppin’s ability to score from anywhere on the court has made him a nightmare for opposing defenses, and Linder’s willingness to give him the freedom to make plays has been a major factor in the Red Raiders’ success.
The partnership between McCasland and Linder is a unique one, with Linder given the freedom to take the controls of the offense and McCasland serving as a sounding board and provider of veto power. This approach has allowed Linder to unleash his full creativity on the offense, and the results have been nothing short of spectacular.
As the Red Raiders continue to push towards the NCAA Tournament, it’s clear that the partnership between McCasland and Linder will be a key factor in their success. With Linder’s brilliant offensive mind and McCasland’s leadership and guidance, Texas Tech has become a force to be reckoned with in the world of college basketball.
