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Texas Tech Adds Experienced Scoring in Kiki Smith
The Lady Raiders gain a proven scorer and defender from the Big Ten in Kiki Smith.
Apr. 18, 2026 at 1:24am
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The addition of scoring dynamo Kiki Smith brings an explosive new dimension to the Texas Tech women's basketball lineup.Topeka TodayTexas Tech women's basketball has added a commitment from two-year power four starter and double-figure scorer Kiki Smith, who is transferring from Purdue with one year of eligibility remaining. Smith, a former NJCAA National Player of the Year, brings valuable experience and scoring punch to the Lady Raiders roster.
Why it matters
The addition of Smith provides an experienced and proven scorer to the Lady Raiders roster, which lost nine seniors and two transfers from last season's second-round NCAA tournament team. Her ability to score against ranked opponents in the Big Ten and SEC will be a valuable asset as Texas Tech looks to build on its recent tournament success.
The details
Smith, a 5-7 guard, averaged 10.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game for Purdue last season while shooting 34% from three-point range. She had several big games against ranked opponents, including 17 points against #17 Iowa and 19 points versus #14 Maryland. Prior to Purdue, Smith spent two seasons at Arkansas in the SEC, where she averaged 10.2 points per game as a sophomore.
- Smith announced her commitment to Texas Tech on Instagram on April 18, 2026.
- She will have one year of eligibility remaining with the Lady Raiders.
The players
Kiki Smith
A 5-7 guard who is transferring to Texas Tech from Purdue, where she averaged 10.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game last season. She is a former NJCAA National Player of the Year.
NiJaree Canady
A Texas Tech superstar athlete who was basketball teammates with Kiki Smith in high school.
Jalynn Bristow
A junior forward for Texas Tech who was an Honorable Mention All-Big 12 selection last season and led the conference in blocked shots.
Stephanie Okechukwu
A 7-1 freshman center for Texas Tech who joined the team mid-year in the 2025-2026 season but did not play.
Tahys Da Silva
A sophomore guard transfer from Salt Lake CC who was an Honorable Mention NJCAA All-American, averaging 14.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game while shooting 43.8% from three-point range.
What’s next
The addition of Smith and Da Silva marks the second and third additions to the Texas Tech roster this offseason as the Lady Raiders look to rebuild following the departure of nine seniors and two transfers from last season's team. Head coach Krista Gerlich will continue to evaluate the roster and look to add more talent in the coming weeks.
The takeaway
The transfer of Kiki Smith from Purdue to Texas Tech provides the Lady Raiders with an experienced and proven scorer who can contribute immediately. Her ability to perform against top competition in the Big Ten and SEC will be a valuable asset as Texas Tech looks to build on its recent NCAA tournament success.
