Texas Tech men's basketball held its first official practice for the 2026-27 season Tuesday, beginning preparations for a Nov. 2 opener at United Supermarkets Arena. Coach Grant McCasland said the roster features athleticism, competitiveness and experience, while noting that eligibility questions remain unresolved for some players.
Jamichael Stillwell, Darrion Williams and Donovan Atwell remain on the active roster while seeking temporary injunctions connected to additional eligibility. Williams is part of a group of 31 players granted a fifth season through an injunction this week. Atwell and Stillwell are pursuing similar relief in separate cases.
McCasland said roster decisions were shaped by familiarity with Williams and Atwell. Williams previously played two seasons for Texas Tech, helped the team reach the Elite Eight during the 2024-25 season and spent 2025-26 at NC State before returning.
Atwell is back after making 45.8% of his 3-point attempts on a career-high 8.4 attempts per game last season, when he received All-Big 12 honorable mention recognition.
The coach also said the roster was assembled while the program awaited clarity about the availability of All-American forward JT Toppin. Another factor was whether guard Christian Anderson would return to school. Anderson remained in the NBA Draft and was selected 18th overall by the Charlotte Hornets.
