Texas Tech Faces Jackson State as Season Opener Tests Unsettled Rotations at Game Central
High hopes, unsettled roles
Texas Tech enters the season with a roster that could compete nationally when healthy, with head coach Grant McCasland relying on returning players and outside shooting. Donovan Atwell, a prominent three-point threat, and Darrion Williams are among the key pieces.
The Red Raiders have options across the roster, including transfer Damarion Dennis, freshman DaKari Spear, LaTrell Hoover and Marial Akuentok. The team still needs to settle player roles, determine its main scoring option and improve guard execution after exhibition turnovers.
Projected backcourt and wings
Hofstra transfer Cruz Davis is expected to take the starting point guard role after averaging more than 20 points per game last season. His duties include organizing a scoring-heavy lineup and distributing the ball reliably.
UNLV transfer Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn is projected at shooting guard, with Dennis and Spear also available in the backcourt. Atwell is expected to play small forward after making more than 45% of his three-pointers last season, alongside versatile returner Williams.
Frontcourt faces injury test
The frontcourt is the least settled area, with injuries limiting depth. Bassala Bagayoko is expected to start at center and share time with Josiah Moseley, while Akuentok and Hoover provide reserve options.
Williams is expected to play power forward despite being out of position, as JT Toppin and Jamichael Stillwell will be out early in the season. Bagayoko’s size and presence in the paint will be important as Texas Tech addresses rebounding concerns.
Game details and players to watch
The game is scheduled for Monday, November 2, 2026, at 6:00 PM CT at the United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas. It will be shown on CBS Sports Network and is available through live TV streaming services that carry the network, including YouTube TV, Fubo, Sling TV and DirecTV Stream.
Davis will be watched for his playmaking, while Williams faces a key role at power forward. Bagayoko is expected to help on the boards, and Gibbs-Lawhorn is projected to defend Jackson State’s guards and contribute scoring.
Key points
- Texas Tech faces Jackson State on November 2, 2026, at 6:00 PM CT in Lubbock.
- Cruz Davis is expected to start at point guard after averaging more than 20 points per game last season.
- Injuries to JT Toppin and Jamichael Stillwell leave Darrion Williams projected at power forward.
- The game airs on CBS Sports Network and streams through services carrying the channel.