Dec. 3, 2001
Based on the time I spent in Lubbock, Texas last weekend, I believe Bob Knight is a different man. He doesn't have the anger he had during his final five years at Indiana.

Knight is so enthusiastic and happy at Texas Tech. He likes working for an athletics director (Gerald Myers, a longtime friend) who thinks along the same lines. The bottom line is, the Hall of Fame coach is enjoying life on the sidelines again. He's also happy to have his son, Pat, on the staff. Another son, Tim, also works at the school.

	Texas Tech coach Bob Knight has more than 800 career coaching wins.

The Red Raiders are certainly happy to have him. The team is 6-1 and could easily be 7-0 if not for a stunning loss to Sam Houston State, which came back from a 19-point deficit. Texas Tech has wins over New Mexico State (in Las Cruces, never an easy place to play), an improved San Diego State squad and Billy Tubbs' explosive TCU team.

Knight's presence has meant a lot to the school's finances. The athletic program has raised almost $5 million since his decision to come to Lubbock. Season tickets for courtside seats go for $3,000 a pop.

Knight likes the situation he's in now. There weren't great expectations coming into the season; in fact, many felt the Red Raiders would finish last in the Big 12.

Think again.

This team is going to get better and better. Texas Tech will be very tough to beat in Lubbock, where the fan support is awesome (as was the hospitality shown while I was down there).

You can see the influence of The General. The Red Raiders worked on weights and got stronger. They played great transition defense and got up and down the floor in mounting a 39-12 first-half lead against TCU. Texas Tech filled the lanes, got open looks, passed well and took high-percentage shots.

Imagine what this team will be like once it gets all of Knight's systems down! The coach still gets in a player's face when he feels it's necessary, but it's done in a constructive way, and the kids seem to appreciate it. He has his team prepared and ready to play.

I was impressed with the Red Raiders' ability to break the press and attack for easy scores. Andy Ellis has developed into a heckuva player. He logs all those minutes, right up there with guys like Lynn Greer of Temple. Knight wants his big man to be more physical. I was also impressed with Kasib Powell, who scored 25 first-half points against TCU, and point guard Will Chavis.

Texas Tech will get another big body in the lineup when Pawel Storozynski, a 6-foot-8 transfer from Dodge City Community College, becomes eligible in mid-December.

It will be interesting to see how the Red Raiders match up against the heavyweights of the Big 12, one of the premier leagues in America. Knight has the resources, facilities and support to be successful at Texas Tech.