Texas Tech men’s basketball held its first official practice for the 2026-27 season Tuesday with Jamichael Stillwell, Darrion Williams and Donovan Atwell still on the active roster. Each player is involved in an eligibility case and has sought a temporary injunction.
Williams is back with the Red Raiders after playing the 2025-26 season at NC State. He had spent his first two seasons at Texas Tech and contributed to the team’s run to the 2024-25 Elite Eight. Coach Grant McCasland called his return an unusual process and said Williams eventually asked if a scholarship could be held for him.
Williams is one of 31 players in a case that produced an injunction granting a fifth season.
Atwell and Stillwell are pursuing an additional season in separate cases. Atwell made 45.8% of his 3-point attempts last season while taking a career-high 8.4 per game, and he earned honorable mention All-Big 12 honors. McCasland said the program will proceed with the players who are eligible and believes the roster can absorb changes.
He said the team was assembled around athleticism, competitiveness and experience, along with a shared commitment to winning. Texas Tech’s season is set to begin Nov. 2 at United Supermarkets Arena.
