Texas Tech
Grant McCasland was pretty impressive at North Texas for the last half decade and takes over a Texas Tech team looking to put last season in the rearview mirror. Mark Adams’ second and final season at the helm was a poor effort, with the Red Raiders ending up just 5-13 in Big 12 play, just one year after having the nation’s best defensive squad. How will things be different under McCasland this season?
A few significant pieces from last season are gone, but last year’s freshman standout is back and Pop Isaacs will have a major role on this team this year. The Transfer Portal has also helped McCasland reload on talent, namely Warren Washington, a center from Arizona State, Darrion Williams, a young wing from Nevada, and Chance McMillian, who shot 42% from beyond the arc last year at Grand Canyon.
All the new talent in Lubbock should have people excited and we’re not just talking about the players themselves. McCasland has proven himself as a great head coach and is familiar with the Big 12 from his time on the Baylor bench. The Red Raiders should be a good defensive squad again and have the talent to compete in this new-look Big 12.