In today’s Texas Tech news recap, we cover a recent commitment to the football team, the passing of basketball icon Jim Reed, and updates on plans for a new baseball stadium, alongside news of the Big 12 conference’s record revenue distribution for the 2023-24 school year.
Here’s your Texas Tech news digest for June 3, 2024:
– **Football Commitment:** Defensive back Gil Jackson from Missouri City, Texas, has declared his commitment to join the Texas Tech football program. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 175 pounds, Jackson, a 3-star prospect according to 247Sports, brings promising talent to the team. He holds offers from various universities including Air Force, Army, and Vanderbilt. Jackson’s addition marks the 13th member of Tech’s 2025 recruiting class, which currently ranks 22nd nationally.
– **Basketball Legend Remembered:** The Texas Tech basketball community mourns the loss of Jim Reed, a revered figure who played for the Red Raiders from 1953 to 1956. Reed’s remarkable career included scoring 1,689 points and grabbing 1,333 rebounds. A dominant force on the court, he earned numerous accolades, including being Tech’s first Associated Press All-America selection. Reed’s legacy lives on in the program’s inaugural Ring of Honor class, recognizing his outstanding contributions to Red Raider basketball.
– **New Baseball Stadium Plans:** Texas Tech has outlined plans for a new baseball stadium, aiming to enhance fan experience and offer premium seating options. However, financial constraints pose challenges, with the athletic department currently prioritizing debt management from ongoing renovations at Jones Stadium. While the desire for a modernized baseball facility is evident, practical hurdles must be addressed before the project can proceed.
– **Record Revenue for Big 12:** The Big 12 conference celebrates a landmark achievement with a record revenue distribution of $470 million for the 2023-24 school year. Each member institution received over $33.5 million on average, reflecting the conference’s financial strength. However, the addition of Cincinnati, Houston, Central Florida, and BYU to the conference led to a slight decrease in individual payouts. Despite this, the Big 12 remains open to future opportunities, though expansion plans are not currently under consideration.
