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 listed on the active roster. Each player is involved in a separate eligibility case and has sought a temporary injunction.
Williams is returning after playing at NC State during the 2025-26 season. He previously spent two seasons with the Red Raiders and was part of the team that reached the Elite Eight in 2024-25. Coach Grant McCasland characterized the process of bringing Williams back as uncommon, saying Williams ultimately asked if a scholarship could be kept available for him.
A case involving Williams and 30 other players produced a temporary injunction allowing a fifth year of eligibility. Atwell and Stillwell are pursuing another season through separate cases. McCasland said Texas Tech will proceed with the players who are eligible and has enough capable players to adjust if the roster changes.
He said the team was assembled around athleticism, competitiveness and experience, along with a shared desire to win and commitment to each other.
Atwell earned All-Big 12 honorable mention after making 45.8% of his 3-point attempts last season while taking a career-best 8.4 per game. Texas Tech is scheduled to begin the season Nov. 2 at United Supermarkets Arena.
