The Texas Tech Red Raiders are considering going the former NBA player route as they hunt for a replacement for Chris Beard.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Texas Tech has received permission to interview Milwaukee Bucks assistant coach Darvin Ham. Ham is a former Red Raider who played at Texas Tech from 1993-1996.
Texas Tech has received permission and plans to interview Milwaukee Bucks top assistant and alumnus Darvin Ham this weekend, sources tell ESPN. Ham led Tech to its first Sweet 16 in 1996. Ham has risen into a serious head coaching candidate in NBA in last few years.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 3, 2021
CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein cites the Red Raiders’ interest in Ham as an offshoot of Juwan Howard’s success at Michigan, with schools more open to hiring former pros from the ranks of NBA assistants.
Juwan Howard's success at Michigan has completely changed the way that power conference programs now approach head coaching vacancies in men's basketball. https://t.co/sQUe8C0hI9
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) April 3, 2021
Ham has received looks at the NBA level, so Texas Tech is going for someone respected in the sport. He would likely be a popular hire due to his existing connection with the school as well.
We know of one NBA star who probably wouldn’t be upset to see Ham leave the league.
