HOOPS Q&As: Niem Stevenson | Anthony Livingston | Gio McLean | Keenan Evans

Texas Tech basketball is still a few months away from tipping off its 2016-17 season, but the local media recently had a chance to sit down with the members of this Red Raider squad one-on-one to see how things have been progressing over the summer.

Today we share our Q&A with Florida transfer Brandone Francis, who gave insight on his adjustment to Lubbock and the goals he has set for the future.

Q: What was it about Chris Beard and Texas Tech that made you decide to transfer here?

"I really like the fact that coach Beard has always been a winner everywhere he's been, every level he's been at. I have no doubt that he's going to do great things here. The first thing I noticed when I got here was that it was a college town, that everything was all about Tech. That's why I came here, and I'm here to play basketball and go to school. When I met with him, the things he told me, the confidence I felt coming here was big."

Q: What have the first few months on campus been like, just with getting into rhythm and getting used to things in Lubbock?

"Just getting used to a different training and conditioning, to different teammates, to a different system. It's been great. I'm already getting in shape, and I have a whole year to do that. When my time comes, I'm going to be for sure ready to go. The thing I really appreciate and am really, really excited about is this group of guys. They have a chance to do great things this year, and I'm just happy I can be a part of practice and help them get better each day."

Q: What's it been like getting to know all the guys on the team that were here a year ago? How welcoming were there?

"They have been great, a great group of guys. It's like you say: We have returners and a couple of new guys, and we all have mixed in really well. It's been great. It's been really great."

Q: You have to sit out this year, obviously. With that being said, what is it that you really want to work on the most, and what are your goals for this season you have to sit out?

"My goal is to be in the best shape I can be and to be the best teammate I can be on and off the court, so when my time comes, I'll be ready to go. I'm here to make history. We've never won the Big 12. Last year we made the tournament and had a pretty good run, but we have a lot of stuff to get done."

Q: What's been the thing that's really stuck out to you about Coach Beard since you've been here the last few months?

"The opportunity he's given me, the opportunity he offered me, and the way he's going to play me, I'm going to get to have the ball in my hands, which is different than with where I was at. Just being able to be myself and the best version of myself on and off the court."