FORT WORTH, Texas — If you don’t know the name Eddie Lampkin, you probably haven’t watched enough TCU basketball games this season. He has the biggest personality that coincides with his game: big. Big is also how his frame used to be.
Lampkin described the 2020-21 season as a “wakeup call.” After the forgettable exit from the Big 12 Tournament, the 335-pound center was on a mission. One that embraced a few lifestyle changes so he can be the right kind of big.
“From the moment we lost [to Kansas State], I was in the gym the next day. Three times a day. All day, all night,” he said. “You not even working on basketball stuff either. It was more conditioning.”
His growth is courtesy of TCU strength coach Andrew Mitchell, who helped Lampkin on his journey to become a better basketball player.
“We’re old school here so we run the mile. Last year I don’t think he even finished it,” Mitchell said. “This year, he ran a 5:55 mile, which is a great time for a man his size.”
Within the span of six months, Lampkin lost 70 pounds and, consequently, gained a starting spot. His dominance has been on full display throughout the course of this season. In fourth grade, however, his heart was on the gridiron. Not the hardwood. That is until his future AAU coach approached him at a choir recital.
“He seen me and was like, 'Let me see your hands.' They were big and I was taller than everybody,” Lampkin said. “So he said I want you to come to one of our practices.”
The rest is history. Lampkin also had great inspiration during his basketball development. His older brother Tello, who was shot and killed in 2017, paved the way for his success on the court.
“What’s crazy is that he was the only one pushing me to be good at basketball because my other brother played football with all his friends. Tello was the only basketball player,” he said. “I wish he could see it. I know he’s looking over me and is proud of me. I’m trying to get to the NBA for him."
That’s Lampkin's long-term goal. For now? It’s all about clinching a bid to the NCAA Tournament, which is something TCU hasn’t done since 2018.
“At the beginning of the season we was like we have to get to the tournament. Let’s make history,” he said. “Even if you get picked on Selection Sunday, that’s big. I can’t wait to have that video to post when we get our name called.”