Texas Tech University Athletics
Tech Begins Weekend Festivities With Homecoming & Hoops
October 09, 2015 | Men's Basketball
FOR TICKETS: Buy Online | (806)742-TECH | | | Chat
Oct. 9, 2015
The 2015-16 editions of the Texas Tech men's and women's basketball teams were introduced for the first time in front of close to 5,000 fans at the United Supermarkets Arena on Friday night, as part of Tech's annual homecoming celebration.
This was the second consecutive installment of this event, which returned last year after a 13-year absence.
Soon after doors opened, players from both teams participated in an autograph session, before coming to the arena floor, where the band and pom squad performed before player and coach introductions.
After coaches Tubby Smith and Candi Whitaker addressed the crowd, Recee' Caldwell and Toddrick Gotcher teamed up against Rayven Brooks and Aaron Ross in a three-point contest. Behind the strength of Caldwell's 25-point round, her and Gotcher won, 31-21.
"I thought it was a lot of fun, and a great way to kick off our season," Whitaker said. "We had a great first week of practice, and this was a good way to top it off. We just really want our fans to be a part of our programs. These players have put in a lot of hard work and deserve the support."
Following the three-point contest, the men's team participated in a dunk contest, where Zach Smith edged out Jordan Jackson in the final, with a windmill dunk. Jackson won the first round elevating over Aaron Ross and punctuating with authority, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
"I thought the environment was great tonight," Coach Smith said. "We had a great crowd, and everyone was having a good time. I'm really fired up about this team, and our fans should be, too."
The season tips off for both teams on Nov. 13 with a doubleheader as the Lady Raiders face Niagara at 11 a.m., followed by the Red Raiders' matchup with High Point, at 8 p.m.
For all the latest news on Tech's men's and women's basketball teams, make sure to follow their social media outlets: @TexasTechMBB and @LadyRaiderWBB on Twitter, and facebook.com/TexasTechMBB & facebook.com/LadyRaiderWBB on Facebook.
Jordan Jackson opening round dunk #Hangtime pic.twitter.com/ATu7pziXFO
-- TexasTech Basketball (@TexasTechMBB) October 10, 2015
