Texas Tech University Athletics
Ronald Ross Selected to NIT All-Star Squad
June 23, 2004 | Men's Basketball
June 23, 2004
Lubbock, TX - Texas Tech senior guard Ronald Ross (Hobbs, New Mexico) has been selected by the Metropolitan Intercollegiate Basketball Association to participate on the 2004 NIT All-Star team that will tour China from July 2-16.
The roster of 12 players, coached by George Bucci, will work out at Manhattan College in Riverdale, New York, from Monday, June 28, through Thursday, July 1, before departing for Beijing on July 2. The squad, scheduled to play 10 games, also expects to visit Tiananmen Square, the Summer Palace, the Forbidden City, and the Great Wall during their two-week stay.
"To be selected to the NIT All-Star team is a blessing and an honor! It's very special to have the opportunity to represent my family, Texas Tech, my teammates, and my country," stated Ronald on receiving his selection news.
In his first year, Ronald averaged 9 minutes per game, played in 30 games, started five times, and averaged 3.1 points per game for the season. Ross became the first Hobbs player since Tony Benford to join the Raiders.
"All the players who have gone to Tech in the past was a big deal to me because I grew up wanting to follow in their footsteps," said Ronald upon entering Texas Tech as a freshman walk-on.
As a sophomore, Ronald started 20 games (including 11 of 16 conference games) for the Raiders and played in all 35 games, averaging 19.9 minutes per game and 4.5 points per game.
In his third season, Ross averaged 10.1 points per game and started 31 times. Ronald scored in double-figures 18 times during the season. He also had five games of 20-or more points, including a career best of 25 points against Colorado in the Big 12 Tournament. Ross averaged 28.8 minutes per game over the course of the 34-game season in which the Raiders were 23-11 for their third consecutive 20-win season under Coach Bob Knight.
"I'm really happy for Ronald to have the opportunity to be a member of the NIT All-Star squad," smiled Coach Bob Knight. "The NIT has done a tremendous job for college basketball, and this is another example of the fine work they do for players, teams, and the game," continued Coach Knight.
The 2004 NIT All-Star Team
Name Pos. Ht. School
Ronald Ross, G 6-2 Texas Tech
Travis Diener, G 6-1 Marquette
Donnie McGrath, G 6-4 Providence
Peter Mulligan, G 6-5 Manhattan
Steve Novak, F 6-10 Marquette
John Cox, F 6-6 San Francisco
Ed Nelson, F 6-8 Connecticut
Sean Munson, F 6-8 Wagner
Tyler Jones, F 6-9 St. John's
Taylor Coppenrath, C 6-9 Vermont
Paul Miller, C 6-10 Wichita State
Nick Fazekas, C 6-10 Nevada
