H.R. No. 1225 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, The Texas Tech men's basketball program achieved a new level of success during the 2018-2019 season, as the Red Raiders advanced all the way to the NCAA Division I national championship game; and WHEREAS, In the course of an unforgettable season, the Texas Tech players repeatedly surpassed expectations; with their inspired play against their Big 12 foes, they earned a share of the regular season conference title, claiming that trophy for the first time ever; Tech was rewarded with an invitation to the "Big Dance" of the NCAA tournament and embarked on a thrilling run that electrified the Red Raider faithful; and WHEREAS, After defeating Northern Kentucky and Buffalo, Texas Tech upset the highly ranked Michigan and Gonzaga squads to earn its first trip to the Final Four; in the semifinals, the Red Raider defense demonstrated its trademark tenacity, leading the team to a 61-51 win over Michigan State and setting the stage for the title game showdown against Virginia; in that contest, the Tech players gave their all through four hard-fought quarters and an overtime period but saw their season come to an end just one win short of the national championship; and WHEREAS, The Red Raiders had numerous heroes during their history-making campaign; Lubbock native Jarrett Culver was named the Big 12 Player of the Year, and he and Matt Mooney earned spots on the Final Four All-Tournament Team; valuable leadership was provided by veteran players Norense Odiase, Brandone Francis, and Tariq Owens, while sophomores Davide Moretti and Deshawn Corprew and freshman Kyler Edwards were also key to Tech's success; the team was guided by head coach Chris Beard, who was named the Associated Press Men's College Basketball Coach of the Year and the Big 12 Coach of the Year for his outstanding efforts; and WHEREAS, By proving itself one of the top teams in college basketball, Texas Tech has furthered the Lone Star State's reputation for sports excellence and ushered in an exciting new era for Red Raider athletics, and its achievements are a source of great pride for the university's students, alumni, and fans; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate the Texas Tech University men's basketball team on advancing to the championship game of the 2019 NCAA Division I tournament and extend to the team's players, coaches, and staff sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the Red Raiders as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Frullo ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1225 was adopted by the House on April 26, 2019, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House