The Pain of Losing: 5 Texas Tech Basketball Transfers That Hurt the Most

As a die-hard Texas Tech basketball fan, I’ve grown accustomed to the harsh reality of the transfer portal. It’s a cruel mistress, always threatening to snatch away our beloved players and leave us wondering what could’ve been. In recent years, the Red Raiders have lost a staggering 17 players to the portal, and while some departures were hardly felt, others left a gaping hole in our hearts.

In this article, I’ll revisit the five toughest transfers Texas Tech basketball fans have had to endure. From promising freshmen to seasoned veterans, these players left an indelible mark on the program, and their departures still sting to this day.

5. Micah Peavy: The One Who Got Away

Micah Peavy was the crown jewel of Texas Tech’s 2020 recruiting class, a 4-star prospect with the athleticism to dominate on both ends of the court. Although he only spent one year in Lubbock, Peavy showed flashes of brilliance, averaging 5.7 points and 3.1 rebounds per game in 29 appearances.

Peavy’s athleticism was on full display during his brief stint with the Red Raiders.

After transferring to TCU, Peavy blossomed into a lockdown defender, capable of guarding multiple positions with ease. His career-highs of 10.9 points and 4.9 rebounds per game in the 2023-24 season only added salt to the wound, as Tech fans couldn’t help but wonder what could’ve been if he’d stayed in Lubbock.

Fortunately, Peavy has since moved on to Georgetown, sparing us the agony of facing him in conference play. Still, it’s hard not to imagine what could’ve been if he’d remained a Red Raider.

The Red Raiders have struggled to replace the talent lost to the transfer portal.

The Transfer Portal: A Necessary Evil?

The transfer portal has become an integral part of college athletics, offering players a chance to find a better fit or pursue new opportunities. While it’s easy to lament the losses, it’s essential to acknowledge the benefits it brings to the players themselves.

The transfer portal has revolutionized the way players navigate their collegiate careers.

As we move forward, it’s crucial for Texas Tech basketball fans to come to terms with the new reality of college athletics. The transfer portal is here to stay, and our beloved Red Raiders will continue to lose players to its allure. However, by embracing the change and focusing on the present, we can find solace in the knowledge that our program will continue to thrive, even in the face of adversity.

The Red Raiders will continue to adapt and evolve in the ever-changing landscape of college basketball.