Former Texas Tech Basketball Coach Returns to Lubbock

Former Texas Tech Basketball coach Al Pinkins is now once again a Texas Tech Basketball coach. He'll return to join Mark Adams' staff as an assistant coach after being with the Florida Gators for the last four seasons. He was on Chris Beard's staff in Lubbock in 2016-17 and 2017-18.

Pinkins has also worked with LSU, Tennessee, Ole Miss, and Middle Tennessee State during his career as a basketball coach. Pinkins will replace Talvin Hester on Adams' staff. Hester is now the head coach at Louisiana Tech.

“My family and I are looking forward to returning to the wonderful community and fanbase in Lubbock,” Pinkins told TexasTech.com. “Coach Adams embraces the grind of college basketball and everything that comes with it. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with Coach Adams and the rest of the staff. I can’t wait to get going.”

Get our free mobile app

Adams, who is close to signing a 5-year extension, is making an incredible hire here. Pinkins is widely regarded as a phenomenal coach and dude in the college basketball world.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to have Coach Pinkins return to our staff,” Adams told TexasTech.com. “He is a veteran coach who has done a great job everywhere he’s been. He does an incredible job working with the players to develop their game and is one of the best recruiters in the nation. We are lucky to have Al coming back to Texas Tech.”

Pinkins is also well known as a great recruiter and played professional basketball overseas. He'll be involved with scouting and on-court coaching and will be vital to the development of the frontcourt at Texas Tech.