By Jeff Walker | A-J SPORTS EDITOR

The Texas Tech men’s basketball team is off to see the wizard, while the women’s team is ready for a fashion show.

Curry

Tech head coaches Pat Knight and Kristy Curry held the annual tipoff dinner on Thursday at United Spirit Arena with both coaches impressed with their respective squads.

Admittedly stealing a page from his father, Knight described his coaching philosophy by telling the tale of the Wizard of Oz.

“We don’t have to worry about Dorothy. That’s Kristy’s department,” Knight said. “And Toto, we just kick him off the team because if you’re playing like a dog, you’re not going to be playing for us.”

Knight went on to talk about the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Lion: “They all had those things they were missing, they just needed someone to tell them and that’s the job of the coach. So, the Scarecrow needs to be challenged. The Tin Man just needs a hug and the Lion needs to be yelled at to get his courage.”

Curry, meanwhile, often repeated how good her team looked – on the court and in the outfits they chose to wear for the dinner.

“We’re excited, because we are a better team this year,” Curry said. “Our goal is to get you (fans) in the stands and for us to be in the NCAA Tournament come March.”

The dinner had an arena floor filled with tables that included Tech chancellor Kent Hance, new president Guy Bailey, athletic director Gerald Myers and the board of regents.

While saluting the turnout, Hance also pointed out the support Tech students are giving the football team in preparation for Saturday’s game against No. 1 Texas.

“This is an exciting time for us in all of athletics,” Hance said. “One of the amazing things to me about Tech is if you go to the football stadium and look at the number of tents set up, it’s incredible. I was over there and brought two of the regents with me and we asked the kids if they were going to class. They said they were, and if you look around they were all having a great time. That’s what being a member of Texas Tech is all about.”

Prior to the speeches, the players from each team paraded in and were later introduced.

“Because I’m the coach, I don’t have to use a last name,” Knight said before calling out Darko Cohadarevic.

Curry said the team has developed a motto: “Be the change.”

“They all understand that we need to be a better basketball team,” she said.

Myers, who coached at Tech from 1971-91, said he’s stopped by practices of both teams and has noticed an upgrade with both programs.

“These kids are working real hard and you can tell,” Myers said. “They both have a lot of new talent to go along with some good returning talent. I think they’ll both be a lot of fun to watch this season.”

Tech opens the regular season with a home doubleheader on Nov. 14.

The Lady Raiders host Idaho at 5 p.m. before the men’s team plays at 8 p.m. against St. Francis (Pa.).