Hamilton on why he chose Texas Tech, what he'll do in his year off

The Red Raider basketball team met with members of the local media last week to preview and discuss the upcoming 2016-17 season, sharing their thoughts and expectations as they get ready to tip things off in a few weeks.

DePaul transfer forward Tommy Hamilton, who will sit out this season, shared his thoughts with me as to how he ended up at Texas Tech, what he wants to accomplish during his year off, and what he envisions for this basketball team this year...

So, what's it been like for you so far? What have you thought about things out here in Lubbock now that you've been here a few months?

"It's been fun actually, man. It's been a drastic change from Chicago. I've gone from a big city coming down south where it's more rural, but it's been nice to see a change of scenery, different kind of people. It's been exciting."

So are you getting used to the Texas life?

"It's hot. It's hot, yeah." (Laughing)

What was it for you that drew you to Coach Beard and this program? What made you think, "That's where I want to be?"

"Well, I think Coach Beard and his staff understood the kind of situation I was in and how I kind of wanted to turn it out. He laid out a process for me and showed me what it was going to take, and it was something I wanted to take on. Those guys gave me an opportunity to come down here."

In your year off here as you sit and wait, what are the goals you really want to work towards? What do you want to work on and get better at?

"I want to get myself in the best shape of my life. I want to come back noticeably different, you know what I'm saying? I think that's the first thing. The biggest thing is first getting in shape and then just getting used to a new system and all that kind of stuff, just trying to be consistent each and every day."

What has that been like you so far learning Coach Beard's motion offense and getting in the flow of it?

"I didn't know it was going to be so simple," he laughed. "But yeah, it's been good. A lot of information he gives, and it may involve a lot of small details, but it's all very, very important. So, its been good so far, man."

Everyone on the team that's a newcomer has talked about how easy it's been to mesh with the guys who were already on the team. Has it been that way for you, too?

"Ever since I've been here man, each one of my teammates has helped me with something at some point. They're there every single day in any way, giving me support and trying to get me up to speed, get up to pace with these guys. It was easy, man. That job was easy. I wasn't down here trying to have to find my way. I just kind of got brung along. So, that's how it's been."

And while you have to sit out this year, you are still practicing with these guys and are a member of this team. From your perspective, what do you see this team doing this year?

"I really think they're going to play for each other. I think they're going to hold each other accountable. I think they know that adversity is going to come, but I think that's when they're going to act things out and be their best."