When Auburndale (Fla.) point guard Keon Clergeot got back from his trip to Lubbock, everything felt right. The senior's relationship with Tubby Smith and his coaching staff and the potentially bright future of the Red Raider basketball program made his decision easy.

On Tuesday, Clergeot committed to Texas Tech.

"What led into it is that they play on a national stage, they play a lot of big schools and that's what I wanted to do," Clergeot said. "I wanted to play the big schools and play in a big arena. Just to come in and play and make a difference."

The Red Raiders are in the rebuilding process under Smith, coming off a 13-19 campaign last season, and Clergeot is ready to be a part of it.

Clergeot chose Texas Tech over offers from Bowling Green, Virginia Commonwealth, Stephen F. Austin and UT-Chattanooga.

The 6-foot-1 point guard is averaged 26.8 points, 7.9 assists and 6.5 rebounds per game last season and will look to bring that scoring hand to Lubbock.

"Distribute and be a leader," Clergeot said about what he can bring to the Red Raiders. "Come in and score. They're losing two scorers and I'm going to come in and take that and score as well."

Competing in the Big 12 Conference is an exciting thought, Clergeot said because he will be playing against basically pros, which will help him develop his game.

"It's very exciting and I just can't wait."