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Texas Tech’s star freshman to return for sophomore season

Texas Tech v Villanova

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 25: Jarrett Culver #23 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders shoots the ball during the first half against the Villanova Wildcats in the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament East Regional at TD Garden on March 25, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

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While Texas Tech may lose Zhaire Smith to the NBA draft a year earlier than they had hoped, the Red Raiders found out on Thursday that the other diamond in the rough on their roster would be returning to school.

Jarrett Culver, a 6-foot-5 forward from Texas that averaged 11.2 points and 4.8 boards while shooting 38 percent from three last season, announced that he will be returning to school for his sophomore season.

“Just a lot of prayer and talking with my family, just God leading me in the right direction,” Culver told KCBD in Lubbock. “It’s all part of the plan. I’m trusting it. I talked to coach and he figured out what’s best for me and what Zhaire is doing is best for him. We are on different terms right now, but it’s a blessing to be in Zhaire’s position and we are all happy for him and supporting him.”

Culver was not expected to be a first round pick had he decided to enter the draft this season.

The Red Raiders made an unexpected run to the Elite Eight this season, but with the number of key pieces they have graduating and the potential for losing Smith, they don’t look like they will be in the top 25 at the start of next season.