Nov. 25, 2005

Bob Knight was sitting alone in a room at Madison Square Garden, reading a book. One night earlier, his Texas Tech Red Raiders lost by 35 points to Syracuse at the Coaches vs. Cancer semifinals.

Knight, a teacher and motivator, was disappointed by his team's performance against the Orange. That said, it was a learning experience for a team that has seven freshmen and already has suffered several injuries.

I told the coach that his team was better than that one performance. I was right as the Red Raiders gave Wake Forest a battle before losing in double-overtime in the consolation game.

Knight's squad doesn't have a single senior, so leadership becomes a challenge at times. In his fifth season at Lubbock, Knight has posted four straight 20+ win campaigns. Never sell one of his teams short.

Jarrius Jackson is one of the most underrated players in America. He is capable of making lots of noise come Big 12 time.

For anyone who wondered about Texas Tech after seeing the 35-point loss to Syracuse, consider this. Last season, the Red Raiders lost to Iowa by 30. That team matured, got wins over Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, UCLA and Gonzaga. It advanced to the Sweet 16 before falling to West Virginia.

The Big 12 is solid this season, as Texas and Oklahoma are top 10 squads. Oklahoma State and Texas Tech are rebuilding. Iowa State is tough with the backcourt duo of Curtis Stinson and Will Blaylock.

Knight still loves the game, and getting his teams to improve as the season progresses. I know opponents coming into Lubbock will always have a tough time. Texas Tech will be a tough team despite the early blowout loss.

Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in 1979. Send a question for Vitale for possible use on ESPNEWS.