Chris Beard is one of the best basketball coaches in the country. The run he is on in Lubbock is about as good as anyone else in the profession. He coaches at a high level and recruiting at a high level, but with Beard and his players, it's more than that.

Beard was in Lubbock during Andre Emmett's time as a player on Bob Knight's staff. Over the next 20 years, Beard would stay in touch with Emmett and a number of players from that era and beyond. The bond he has with the players is real and palpable.

After news broke of Emmett's senseless murder over the weekend, Beard reached out to Emmett's family, friends and Red Raider nation:

It's tough loss for many, including Chris Beard, which will resonate for years to come.

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