Smith working hard to gain weight before the hoops season begins
MORE BASKETBALL Q&As: Niem Stevenson | Anthony Livingston | Gio McLean |Keenan Evans | Brandon Francis | Aaron Ross
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.
Junior forward Zach Smith will undoubtedly be a key cog for what the Red Raiders do this season, and we sat down with him for a one-on-one to discuss what he's working on and how he's adjusting.
Q: What has this summer been like getting used to Coach Beard and what he expects for you guys as he puts his stamp on the program?
“I’ve adjusted to everything pretty well. Honestly, I think the whole team has adjusted to everything pretty well. Just trying to work hard, get to know the system, and get ready for this year.”
Q: What’s it been like getting to know all these newcomers?
“It’s been pretty good. Everyone has been open to building new relationships so far, and we’ve all done a great job of really trying to get to know each other.”
Q: What has been the biggest goal for yourself to get better this offseason?
“I definitely wanted to gain some weight and prove I could have consistency on my shot.”
Q: What were your weight gain goals, and where are you at with it?
“Overall, my goal was 225, and right now I’m at about 218. Still working toward that, obviously.”
Q: What have been your thoughts on learning Chris Beard's motion offense? How's it going?
“It’s been great so far. Everybody has been learning it pretty well, everyone has been adapting pretty well, and everyone seems to really have a good understanding of the offense and knowing what their role is.”
Q: What’s it been like getting to know Beard over the last couple of months?
“I think it’s been great. Coach has done a great job of getting us all together, having us spend time together, spending some time to get to know each of us individually. I think we’ve adapted pretty well so far.”
Q: What’s been the thing that’s really stuck out to you about Beard and the staff? What is it about them that's just really hit home?
“I think probably the fact that they’ll do anything for you. They always have your back, and they’re also always making sure that you’re getting in the gym and working hard. They’re very personal, and they really want to get to know you.”
Q: With all these new guys that have come in, has that changed the competition level at practice at all?
“The level definitely has gone up. We’re all competing very hard. Everyone is out here trying to get a spot, and everyone is out here competing. We’re doing it as a team, too.”
Q: What has it been like getting to play with some of these newcomers in the front court such as Anthony Livingston?
“It’s been great, but I’ve definitely had to adjust to their style, learn how to defend their style, so it’s been a good experience having to learn to adapt to it.”
Q: Is there maybe one of the newcomers that’s impressed you more than the others?
“I think they’ve all honestly impressed me the most with their ability to hop into a new system, hop into a new environment. I think Niem (Stevenson) has really impressed me so far. His game is just very smooth, and his ability to make plays is impressive.”
Q: Where do you feel like things are maybe at with the team as we sit here roughly a little more than two months out from the start of the season?
“I think we’re doing great, but there’s definitely still a lot to improve on as a team. But, I do think we’re doing pretty good.”