Texas Tech University Athletics
Newcomer Q&A with Cruz Davis
July 14, 2026 | Men's Basketball
LUBBOCK – Back in his home state and set for his final collegiate season, we sat down with Cruz Davis after a summer workout to learn more about what makes him the player and person he is. Davis signed with Texas Tech on April 17, becoming the first transfer this offseason to join the program, after averaging 20.1 points, 4.7 assists and 1.1 steals per game last season at Hofstra. A Plano, Texas native, Davis earned Coastal Athletic Association Player of the Year and led his team to the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Along with playing at Hofstra, Davis also has experience playing at St. John's and Iona, but returned to Texas to join the Red Raiders to complete a college career that has him coming into the upcoming season with 1,327 points through 95 career games played.
What do you bring to the team on and off the court?
"I want to bring good energy and competitiveness. I always play hard and my teammates see that and want to play hard too."
What do you want to develop the most in your game?
"I want to keep developing as a leader. That's something you can always grow in. Being a point guard, you are a leader on the court and can help control the game. I feel like my experience in the past will help me a lot this year. It's my fifth year of college and I've been through a lot. I've seen a lot and have grown from it all. Everywhere I've been has made me a better player and person."
What do you want your teammates and coaches to say about you?
"I want them to say that I'm always smiling and that I'm a happy guy. I'm competitive and want to win in everything we do. Basketball is a kid's game and something we've all been doing all of our lives. This is every kid's dream and I hope they see that I appreciate and know that. Bring joy to the game."
How do you impact winning?
"By playing hard and being myself. Being aggressive, defending and doing whatever it takes to win."
What do you think makes you unique as a person?
"I feel like I have a unique spirit. I'm a happy person and try to make other's happy. I'm also determined to reach every goal I have for myself and my teammates."
Where did you develop a love for the game?
"I've been playing basketball my entire life. Both sides of my family have always loved and played the game. It's been everything for me and my family. It's always been something natural for me. Basketball means everything to me and has done everything for me."
What adversity are you most proud of overcoming to get to this point in your journey?
"The journey hasn't always been easy. The ups and downs that have come along with it. It's developed me into who I am today. There is always adversity in life and on the court but it's about how you come back from it and how you learn from it. Become better from it."
Who is the first person you'd call for advice or to share something good?
"It's always my mom and dad. They've been with me in a positive way my entire life. I always want to share the good and the bad with them because I know they're there for me no matter what. I always call them. They've done so much for me and always believe in me."
What standard have you set for yourself in your work ethic?
"I feel like I have a really high standard for myself. I go as hard as I can because I know it's going to make me better."
What do you want to embrace the most about playing at Texas Tech?
"It's my last season of college basketball and I'm back a lot closer to home. I'll get to see my family a lot more. That means a lot to me in my final year. This has all gone by so fast. It seems like just yesterday that I was a freshman and now I'm here. I'm trying my best to take it all in and enjoy every moment."
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