Texas Tech basketball, behind a loaded transfer portal class and a few key returners, should make noise in a loaded Big 12 this season.
The tradition continues! CBB Review is again ranking the top 100 teams heading into the new college basketball season. Each day, we will reveal the next team until we reach the team slotted at number one. Up next: Kansas State basketball.
Texas Tech came off a decent season last year, falling to the hottest team in the country in NC State in the first round of the tournament. The Red Raiders have a lot of roster turnover, though, hoping to stay competitive in an absolute monster of a conference.
Texas Tech lost its two highest scorers to the portal. However, they have some returning talent hoping to step into bigger roles, as well as interesting transfers who could be plugged into the starting five. All of Elijah Hawkins, Kevin Overton, JT Toppin, and Federiko Federiko could play big roles in this first season in Lubbock.
The Red Raiders should be very tough on defense as well. The versatility they boast is a dream for any head coach, and the lineup possibilities are endless. It will be very interesting to see how Grant McCasland handles this squad and how far they can make it given how large and deep the Big 12 has become.
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Head coach: Grant McCasland (2nd season at Texas Tech, 9th season overall)
2023-24 record: 23-11 (11-7)
2024 postseason finish: Lost to NC State (80-67) in first round of NCAA Tournament
Notable departures:
- Pop Isaacs (15.8 PPG, 3.4 APG, 3.2 RPG)
- Joe Toussaint (12.2 PPG, 4.2 APG, 2.6 RPG)
- Warren Washington (9.7 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 1.7 APG)
- Robert Jennings (4.4 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 0.4 APG)
Notable non-conference games:
- Legends Classic (Nov. 21-22)
- vs. Depaul (Dec. 4)
- vs. Texas A&M (Dec. 8)
- vs. Oral Roberts (Dec. 16)
Projected Rotation
PG: Elijah Hawkins (5-11, 160, Sr.)
2023-24 stats: 9.5 PPG, 7.5 APG, 3.6 RPG, 1.6 SPG, 39.3 FG%, 36.4 3P% (Minnesota)
SG: Kevin Overton (6-5, 200, So.)
2023-24 stats: 11.3 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.1 APG, 34.6 3P% (Drake)
SF: Darrion Williams (6-6, 225, Jr.)
2023-24 stats: 11.4 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.2 SPG, 45.8 3P%
PF: JT Toppin (6-9, 225, So.)
2023-24 stats: 12.4 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 0.6 APG, 1.9 BPG, 1.1 SPG, 62.3 FG% (New Mexico)
C: Federiko Federiko (6-11, 215, Sr.)
2023-24 stats: 4.7 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 1.0 APG, 63.7 FG% (Pittsburgh)
6: Chance McMillian (6-3, 190, Sr.)
2023-24 stats: 10.8 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 1.2 APG, 38.7 3P%
7: Devan Cambridge (6-6, 210, Sr.)
2023-24 stats: 10.5 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 1.1 APG, 52.7 FG%
8: Kerwin Walton (6-5, 210, Sr.)
2023-24 stats: 8.5 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 0.5 APG, 0.5 SPG, 47.8 3P%
9: Christian Anderson (6-2, 165, Fr.)
247Sports Composite #122 ranked recruit
10: Leon Horner (6-4, 215, Fr.)
Not ranked in 247Sports Composite
Texas Tech Basketball Team MVP: Darrion Williams
This one could have gone so many ways, but Williams is the lone returner in our starting lineup, so his impact off the court is as important as it is on. Williams is the highest returning scorer for Texas Tech, and he is one of few guys who have stayed in Lubbock over the offseason.
What makes Williams exciting this season is the clip in which he shoots the three. The now Junior shot at a 45.8% rate from three-point land last year. Granted, his numbers will not echo those from last year because of the added volume he will have to take on, but that number is no fluke.
Williams is also a great defender. At 6’6″ and 225 lbs, the forward guards all positions well. He has a lot of Jarrett Culver in his game, who was on the forefront of the Red Raiders last Final Four.
Texas Tech Basketball make-or-break player: Devan Cambridge
Devan Cambridge was allegedly transferring for two days before news surfaced he would not be leaving, as he was able to receive his year of eligibility back due to injury. Cambridge played just eight games before a season-ending knee injury.
Having Cambridge back is huge, giving Texas Tech another returner that they desperately want. Also, before his injury, he was playing 26 minutes a game and averaging above 10 points. If he comes back fully healthy, he will give the Red Raiders another juggernaut off their bench.
Key analytic: Points off turnovers
Texas Tech struggled to score off of turnovers last season, only averaging 13.4 points off turnovers a game despite turning over their opponents 11.4 times a contest. The Red Raiders converted just over a point per turnover, a decent ratio, but nothing exceptional.
When there is success in Lubbock, it has been due to smothering defense. Texas Tech has the opportunity to bring that brand of basketball back. However, it would be nice to see offense coming out of those defensive stands, especially with so many question marks on the offensive end of the floor.
Texas Tech Basketball 2024-25 projections
Projected conference finish: 7th in the Big 12
Projected postseason ceiling: NCAA Tournament Elite 8 Exit