Can Texas Tech Replicate Last Season’s Success?
It’s safe to say the past decade of Texas Tech basketball has been their most successful stretch in program history. The 2024-25 season marked another step forward for the program, culminating in 28 wins and a trip to the Elite Eight. JT Toppin was a first-team All-American, averaging 18.2 points and 9.4 rebounds, earning Big 12 Player of the Year. With the big man returning, Texas Tech looks to replicate last season’s success.
Head coach Grant McCasland had his work cut out for him this offseason. Second leading scorer Darrion Williams made his way to NC State after testing the NBA draft waters. Key role players Kevin Overton and Fede Federiko fell victim to the portal as well. Chance McMillian and Elijah Hawkins ran out of eligibility. Next year’s roster was filled with uncertainty, outside of JT Toppin and Christian Anderson.
Everything begins and ends with JT Toppin for the Red Raiders, entering the season as one of the Wooden Award favorites. Wherever and whoever Toppin has played, he’s dominated. His fluid movement and explosiveness, combined with his six-foot-nine, 210-pound frame, make Toppin a nightmare matchup for most opposing bigs. He plays with relentless energy in every aspect, from chasing rebounds to finishing to contesting shots. Christian Anderson, who has dominated U19 for Germany, was also retained, with a clear path to being Toppin’s co-star. In his freshman season, Anderson averaged 10.6 points a game, shooting 38% from long range. He’s a shifty, speedy ball handler with a quick trigger and growing passing game, making him the ideal pick-and-roll partner with Toppin. However, is the newly acquired talent good enough to support Toppin and Anderson?
LeJaun Watts is the Williams replacement, as a versatile forward who impacts the game every possession. For Washington State, he was all over the floor, averaging 13.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.6 steals a game. Watts will be reliable off the ball as a sound cutter, screen setter, and a catch-and-shoot threat. McCasland also brought in Donovan Atwell and Tyeree Bryan, both snipers who shot above 40% from three last season. McCasland’s roster moves suggest a clear plan for how Texas Tech will operate on offense. With Toppin demanding attention inside, the goal is to space the floor with reliable shooters who can capitalize when defenses collapse in the paint. With this roster construction, the only major concern is a lack of depth and defensive versatility. Other than that, the Red Raiders are set to compete in the Big 12 and for a National Championship.
