Christian Anderson is Indispensable for Texas Tech

You can count on one hand the number of players who possess a stronger influence on winning in college basketball this season than Christian Anderson.

The 6-2, 19-year-old point guard is orchestrating offense at a prolific rate for Texas Tech, averaging 19.1 points, 7.7 assists, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.3 steals while shooting a lethal 44.2% from deep on 7.9 3PA per game.

Anderson puts immense pressure on opposing teams with his range and balance as a pull-up shooter, capable of firing in either direction upon crossing half-court. Through 26 games, he’s drilling 48% of his spot-up threes and 46% of his ball screen threes.

The sophomore point guard has also shown increased comfort playing through contact and bumps this season, allowing him to keep his dribble alive longer and, in turn, open up a wider range of passing windows to shooters and rollers out of the pick-and-roll.

At this stage, it’s difficult for NBA scouts not to be enticed by the shooting and pick-and-roll command. The lingering question rests on the defensive end, and whether he can consistently hold his own there when the games narrow and every possession carries weight.

And with JT Toppin out for the season, the lens will tighten even more on Anderson entering March.