Texas Tech’s men’s basketball team began its first official practice for the 2026-27 season Tuesday with Jamichael Stillwell, Darrion Williams and Donovan Atwell listed on the active roster. Each player is involved in an 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 Texas Tech and helped the Red Raiders reach the Elite Eight in 2024-25. Coach Grant McCasland said Williams eventually asked whether the program would keep a scholarship available for him.
Williams is one of 31 players in a case that produced a temporary injunction allowing a fifth year of eligibility. Atwell and Stillwell are pursuing another season in separate cases. McCasland said Texas Tech will proceed with the players who are eligible and believes the roster can manage changes.
Atwell made 45.8% of his 3-point attempts last season on a career-best 8.4 attempts per game and earned honorable mention All-Big 12 recognition. McCasland said the roster was built around athleticism, competitiveness and experience. Texas Tech is scheduled to begin its season Nov. 2 at United Supermarkets Arena.
