Texas Tech University Athletics
Newcomer Q&A with DaKari Spear
July 16, 2026 | Men's Basketball
LUBBOCK – Officially signing with Texas Tech in November, DaKari Spear joined the Red Raiders on campus in June and has been working on his game ever since. We sat down with Spear following a workout to get to know about the incoming freshman who is an ESPN four-star recruit that ranked 26th nationally on the ESPN SC Next 100. After playing at Dynamic Prep, Overtime Elite and The Colony High School, Spear is primed to make an immediate impact for the Red Raiders next season.
What do you bring to the team on and off the court?
"Good, passionate energy. I want to bring connectivity, on and off the court, so that our team has great chemistry."
What do you want to develop the most in your game?
"Getting stronger for when we play against Big 12 teams. Overall, increasing my percentages and contribute to the team."
What do you want your teammates and coaches to say about you?
"That I'm a hard worker and competitive. That I approach every day with energy in our workouts and practices. Looking to get better every day."
How do you impact winning?
"Both offensively and defensively. I feel like my offensive game is as a three-level scorer because I can shoot the 3, midrange and get downhill. Defensively, I'm competitive and can guard the other team's best offensive player."
What do you think makes you unique as a person?
"I'm always going to come to the gym with a smile on my face. I never want to be down and always want to lift others up."
Where did you develop a love for the game?
"During quarantine with my brother and sister. They made me get off video games and get outside. Jump rope, ladder drills, ball handling. I really started loving the game."
What adversity are you most proud of overcoming to get to this point in your journey?
"This past summer when I tore my quad. I was at a low moment but still had my support system around me. Tech still believed in me to come here and make an impact. I think that time made me who I am right now. It shows I'm relentless and I'm not going to give up, no matter what obstacles come my way. I'm going to keep going."
Who is the first person you'd call for advice or to share something good?
"My mom and dad. No matter if it was a good game or bad game, they're going to lift me up. They're always my support system. They always remind me that I'm going to get to my goal, it's just going to take time. Keep a faith in God. They remind me of that all the time."
What standard have you set for yourself in your work ethic?
"Get 1 percent better every day. I always say that. I never want to go into the gym and have lazy reps. I'm always pushing myself to be better every day."
What is something off the basketball court that people don't know about you?
"I'm good at bowling. I'm competitive in a lot of things and never want to lose."
What do you want to embrace the most about playing at Texas Tech?
"Take everything in each day. Creating a bond with my teammates and coaches around me. Embracing that to become a better player."
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