Texas Tech has three players on its active roster whose eligibility cases are still pending as the men’s basketball team prepares for its Nov. 2 opener at United Supermarkets Arena. Jamichael Stillwell, Darrion Williams and Donovan Atwell have sought temporary injunctions in their respective matters.
The team held its first official practice of the 2026-27 season Tuesday. Coach Grant McCasland said the roster was assembled around athleticism, competitiveness and experience, along with a shared commitment to winning and to one another. He said the program will move forward with whichever players are cleared and believes it has enough capable players to manage any roster changes.
Williams is returning after playing at NC State in 2025-26. He spent his first two seasons at Texas Tech and helped the Red Raiders reach the Elite Eight in 2024-25. McCasland called the return process unusual and said Williams eventually asked whether a scholarship could be held for him.
Williams is one of 31 players in a case that produced a temporary injunction granting a fifth eligibility year.
Atwell is also back after earning All-Big 12 honorable mention recognition last season. He made 45.8% of his 3-point attempts while averaging a career-best 8.4 attempts per game. Stillwell and Atwell are pursuing an additional season in separate cases.