Texas Tech Basketball Roster Is Here & Guess Who Made the Cut!

When you think of Texas Tech, football legends like Patrick Mahomes might pop into your head first. But hold on, folks! The basketball team has been quietly making some serious noise, and I’m here to spill all the tea.

A Quick History Lesson: From Obscurity to Glory

Let’s be real, for a while, Texas Tech basketball was like that quiet kid in class who suddenly becomes the star athlete. But boy, have they changed the game! Did you know they reached their first-ever Final Four in 2019? Yeah, I was just as amazed as you! And before that, they hit their first Elite Eight. Talk about a glow-up!

• Lubbock Legends:
  • Located in Lubbock, Texas, they play at the United Supermarkets Arena.
  • 17 NCAA tournament appearances.
  • 7 Sweet Sixteen appearances.
  • 12 regular season conference titles.
  • 5 Conference tournament titles.
  • They ended Kansas’s long big 12 reign.

It wasn’t always smooth sailing. They had some ups and downs with different coaches, but things really took off when Chris Beard arrived in 2016. He turned the program around, bringing in talented players and changing the team’s culture.

The Chris Beard Era: A Game-Changer

When Chris Beard took over, it was like someone hit the fast-forward button. Suddenly, they were recruiting top talent and making deep runs in the NCAA tournament.

• Key Players and Moments:
  • Keenan Evans: A key player in Beard’s early success.
  • Jarrett Culver: A rising star who became an AP All-American.
  • The 2019 Final Four run: Defeating Gonzaga to make history.
  • Defensive prowess: They had one of the best defenses in the nation.

They had a fantastic defense, making opponents work for every point. And let’s not forget their three-point shooting, led by Davide Moretti.

The 2024-2025 Roster: New Faces, High Hopes

Now, let’s fast forward to the present. The 2024-2025 season is just around the corner, and I’m buzzing with excitement. Grant McCasland is leading the charge, and the roster is packed with talent.

Roster Breakdown:

• Returning Stars:
  • Darrion Williams (D5): The team leader with All-Big 12 potential.
  • Chance McMillan: A sharpshooter and versatile player.
  • Kerwin Walton, Devin Cambridge, Emeli Yalaho.
• New Additions:
  • JT Toppin: A rebounding machine and Mountain West Freshman of the Year.
  • Kevin Overton: A promising sophomore with NCAA tournament experience.
  • Federico Federiko: Among the team’s tallest.
  • Elijah Hawkins: A top-notch passer.
  • Corbin Green, Jazz Henderson Jr., Leon Herer, Christian Anderson.

Strengths and Weaknesses:

• Strengths:
  • Experience: Many players have NCAA tournament experience.
  • Shooting: Excellent three-point shooters like Walton and McMillan.
  • Passing: Elijah Hawkins, a top passer, leading the offense.
  • Rebounding: JT Toppin an elite rebounder.
• Weaknesses:
  • Size: A potential concern with a lack of dominant big men.
  • Rebounding physicality: Something that caused issues in the past.

Key Players to Watch:

• Darrion Williams (#5): The heart and soul of the team.
• JT Toppin: A game-changer in the frontcourt.
• Chance McMillan: A versatile player who can score and defend.

Preseason Expectations: A Top 15 Team?

Evan Miyakawa has Texas Tech ranked high, and I agree! This team has the talent to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament. They’re experienced, talented, and have a coach who knows how to win.

• Preseason Rankings:
  • Texas Tech is considered a top-tier team in the loaded Big 12.
  • They have the potential to be a second-weekend NCAA tournament team.

Conclusion: Get Ready for an Exciting Season!

I’m telling you, folks, this Texas Tech team is going to be something special. They have the talent, the coaching, and the drive to make a deep run. So, get ready to cheer on the Red Raiders!