Texas Tech men’s basketball coach Tubby Smith spoke about his new job and how he wants to build the men’s basketball program Wednesday before he met with about 500 Texas Tech boosters at the Amarillo National Center. Smith, who won the 1998 NCAA national championship with Kentucky, was fired from his head coaching job at Minnesota at the end of the 2012-13 season. He will take over the Tech program from interim coach Chris Walker. Walker had replaced Billy Gillispie, who resigned in September 2012.

Tubby Smith’s first two assistant hires gives the Texas Tech men’s basketball coaching staff a Lone Star look to it. Former Angelo State head coach Joe Esposito on Monday was announced as a member of Smith’s staff, joining former TCU, Texas A&M and SMU assistant Alvin “Pooh” Williamson as the first two additions of the new-look Red Raiders. “To be able to have the opportunity to be able to come back to West Texas and dust off my boots and bring my cowboy hat,” Esposito said, “I was really excited.”

Josh Gray is transferring from Texas Tech, the point guard announced via Twitter on Wednesday. "Today I'm announcing that I will be transferring from Texas Tech University," Gray wrote. "I want to thank the University and the city of Lubbock the great experience this past year. My family and I decided this was the best option for me and my career. Thanks again." Put simply, Gray's departure is a big blow for Tech and first-year coach Tubby Smith. As a freshman, Gray led the Red Raiders in assists (3.3 per game) and steals (2.0) and was third in scoring (9.6).

Under first-year coach Kliff Kingsbury, Texas Tech freshmen are restricted from speaking with the media. Davis Webb, though, is letting his performance speak for him, according to his coach. Webb, who graduated a semester early from Prosper High School, has impressed coaches with his attention to detail and his eagerness to learn.