Texas Tech’s Brandone Francis Reveals The Special Meaning Behind His Emogi Ink

The 6-foot-5 Texas Tech Red Raiders’ guard, Brandone Francis, has been “a core piece of the second unit throughout the 2018-19 season.” But what is the core significance behind one of his most meaningful tattoos?

Francis is outspoken that the opportunity to share the floor with his teammates is the most important thing to him. So much so, that Francis has a tattoo which permanently reminds him on a daily basis to simply “live sincere.”

“I’m just really blessed to have another opportunity here at Texas Tech,” Francis said.

His 100 emoji tattoo on his right wrist is for showing the world, “what I can do on the court and just prepare myself for the real world,” Francis said. “Whatever happens, happens. I’m just happy that right now I’m in a really, really, really good place academically and basketball wise. So, hopefully, I can just show the world what I can do.”

But the “100” emoji isn’t the only ink Francis holds dearly. He also has one for his mother, Kenia Ramirez, on his forearm. Francis had not seem Ramirez in two years, until Texas Tech settled her visa issues to get her to Lubbock from the Dominican Republic.

“I find strength in my mom and have permanently honored her with a tattoo. She is always on my mind despite being away from home for so long,” Francis said. “I remember the sacrifices she made for me when I was young and the support she still provides every day.”

Ramirez, admitted that it was “hard to see him go” to the United States. Especially that he didn’t speak English or know anyone in the States before the move.

“My son is a fighter and he was so strong. I am so proud,” Ramirez said. “Since Brandone was four, he started to play basketball in the house. It’s like it was in his blood. He has always had an incredible passion for that sport. I intended for him to play baseball, the most popular sport in DR, but he always knew what he wanted to be.”

Previously playing for the Florida Gators during the 2015-16 season, Francis moved to Red Raiders, to average 5.1 points and 1.9 rebounds over 15.3 minutes per game last year. Those stats jumped to 6.2 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists over 23.7 minutes this season.

While Francis is a core part of the Texas Tech’s hot victory streak, losing family friend Nipsey Hussle, is continuing to take a toll on Francis. Hussle was “a big brother of sorts” that Francis fondly referred to as “one of my favorite people.”

He had helped Francis repair a once-fractured relationship with his father, through his music helped Francis improve his English after emigrating from the Dominican Republic, and reinvested in his Los Angeles neighborhood, teaching Francis how “to be a giver” to those in need.