Chris Beard confident in his ability to draw hoops crowd at Texas, compliments fans

The Texas Longhorns and the Texas Tech Red Raiders created an incredible atmosphere at the Frank Erwin Center on Saturday — almost with a tournament-like feel. Plenty of fans made the trip from Lubbock, while the Texas faithful showed up to support their team as well.

Texas head coach Chris Beard talked after the game if he had a better feel for how energetic a Texas home game can get after the atmosphere against Texas Tech. He said it’s something he has known since his first day in charge and thanked Longhorn fans for their support on Saturday.

“No, not a better feel. I’ve had that feel since Day One,” Beard said. “We did it at Fort Scott (CC), we did it at Seminole (State JC), did it at McMurray, Angelo State. We did it at Litle Rock, we did it at South Carolina (semi-professional). We did it in Lubbock and we’re doing it here and it’s great. Our fans have been unbelievable. We’ve had multiple sell outs. Our student section is one of the best in college basketball. I can’t thank Longhorn Nation, our season ticket holders, and fans enough. I thought today was another great atmosphere and I thought Texas fans were great today. And we appreciate them.”

Texas will be transitioning out of the Frank Erwin Center next season, with two games remaining. The Longhorns will host both TCU and Baylor, hoping to close down the famous arena in a positive fashion.

Chris Beard praises fromer players in loss to Texas Tech

Following the game, Texas head coach Chris Beard, who previously coached at Texas Tech, heaped out some praise to his former players on the other side of the court.

Beard acknowledged that going up against some of Texas Tech’s stars made it tough for the Longhorns to get in a rhythm on Saturday.

“Well they were definitely throwing the ball in to a couple of the best players in the league,” Beard said after the game. “It’s well documented what I think of Marcus (Santos-Silva). Recruited him and had the pleasure to coach him. He’s a big time player. And Bryson (Williams), had the privilege and honor to recruit and coach him.

“So obviously a unique game today. You’re looking at guys that you pull for other than the time you compete against them. But I thought they threw the ball inside to a couple of the best players in the elague and I think they drove the ball. Thought Clarence (Nodolny) was a real separator today. Another guy that I had the honor and privilege to recruit and coach. Clarence played great today, was aggressive.”