Texas Tech men's basketball began its 2026-27 season with its first official practice Tuesday, while coach Grant McCasland addressed the roster questions surrounding the Red Raiders. The team is scheduled to open the season Nov. 2 at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock.
McCasland, entering his fourth year as head coach, said the roster combines athleticism, competitiveness and experience. He also pointed to the players' willingness to win and their investment in the team as reasons for his confidence in the group.
Eligibility remains unsettled for Jamichael Stillwell, Darrion Williams and Donovan Atwell. All three remain listed on Texas Tech's active roster and have sought temporary injunctions in separate cases connected to an additional season of eligibility. Williams is part of a 31-player suit that received a temporary injunction this week, while Atwell and Stillwell are involved in separate cases seeking similar relief.
McCasland said roster decisions were also shaped by uncertainty about the availability of All-American post player JT Toppin and whether guard Christian Anderson would return to school. Anderson stayed in the NBA draft and was selected 18th overall by the Charlotte Hornets.
Williams previously played two seasons for Texas Tech and helped the Red Raiders reach the Elite Eight during the 2024-25 season. He spent the 2025-26 season at NC State before returning to Lubbock. McCasland said Williams contacted him as the season approached to ask whether the coach would reserve a scholarship, describing the return as an unusual development.
