Work ethic earns Texas Tech freshman Hannahs a starting spot; 3s are his forte

In this photo taken, Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013, Texas Tech's Dusty Hannahs drives the ball ahead of Iowa State's Melvin Ejim during an NCAA college basketball game in Lubbock, Texas. Hannahs has made an immediate impact during his freshman season. (AP Photo/Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, Stephen Spillman) LOCAL TV OUT (The Associated Press)

In this photo taken, Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013, Texas Tech's Dusty Hannahs, right, shoots against Iowa State's Melvin Ejim (3) during anheir NCAA college basketball game in Lubbock, Texas. Hannahs has made an immediate impact during his freshman season. (AP Photo/Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, Stephen Spillman) LOCAL TV OUT (The Associated Press)

LUBBOCK, Texas – Texas Tech freshman Dusty Hannahs learned long ago that when he's wasn't practicing somebody else probably was.

That notion has driven the 19-year-old since his youth growing up in Arkansas. In the family's Little Rock backyard, his father would chase rebounds so Hannah could repeatedly put up more shots.

In seventh grade, he finagled a key to the school gym and spent hours practicing his shot. High school? Different key, same routine.

Now, long after Red Raiders fans leave the arena or practice is over, Hannahs lingers. Sometimes under dimmed lights with only the janitorial staff as company.

That time has paid off. After 18 or fewer minutes in Texas Tech's first eight games Hannahs earned a starting role. He has become the go-to guy from beyond the arc, hitting 26 of 66 to lead the team.