A Closer Look at Texas Tech Recruit Keena Young
Keena Young knew all along what he was getting himself into this year by enrolling at South Plains College in Levelland, Tex.
South Plains is located a stone's throw from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, giving Young the ideal platform to show his wares to the Red Raider coaching staff this winter.
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"He came out here looking to go there," South Plains Head Coach Steve Green told JUCO Junction this week. "He wanted to play for Coach Knight."
A freshman qualifier from Beaumont, Tex., Young is expected to sign with Texas Tech this spring. He will have three years of eligibility remaining for the Red Raiders, beginning with the 2004-2005 season.
Young has been a valuable addition for the Texans this year. He bounced to South Plains after parting ways with the University of Memphis last summer.
Both Young and Ozen H.S. teammate Kendrick Perkins committed to John Calipari's program as high school seniors, but Perkins skipped college and entered last June's NBA Draft.
Young has started all 22 games this season for the 17-5 Texans, averaging 10.2 points and 7.7 rebounds per outing. He shoots 45 percent from the floor and 47 percent from the foul line. He has only taken six three-pointers all season long, making one.
"He's been a very important piece to our puzzle," Green said. "He can defend and rebound, but above all, he's very consistent and has a great attitude."
"He's a special kid," Green continued. "I wish they were all like him."
Young's commitment to Texas Tech came as little surprise to JUCO Junction. In fact, we reported early last month that Green's pledge to the Red Raider program would be forthcoming shortly.
"I think he's a natural replacement for Andre Emmett," Green said. "He's a 6-6 wing who can be very effective in a motion offense."