Texas Tech Adds 6-Foot-10 Former NBA Draft Prospect to Growing Roster

Grant McCasland and Texas Tech continue to reshape their roster ahead of the 2026-27 season, with the Red Raiders adding another intriguing piece to the frontcourt.

Texas Tech has landed a commitment from Bassala Bagayoko, a 6-foot-10 forward from Mali who recently went through the NBA Draft process.

Bagayoko Brings Plenty of Potential

Bagayoko arrives in Lubbock with considerable upside. The 19-year-old recently played for Bilbao and averaged 4.5 points and 3.8 rebounds in 14 minutes per game across ACB and FIBA Europe Cup competition.

The big man made history at just 14 years old when he became the youngest player ever to appear in Spain’s top professional league, the Liga ACB. At one point, Bagayoko was viewed as a potential high NBA Draft selection before a devastating ACL and meniscus injury in 2022 sidelined him for more than two years.

He has since begun rebuilding his career, including a recent FIBA Europe Cup stint in which he averaged roughly 4.3 points and 3.6 rebounds per game while shooting 54.9% from the field.

Bagayoko adds another physical option to a Texas Tech frontcourt that already has plenty of depth. The biggest question surrounding the group is how the rotation will change once star forward JT Toppin is cleared to return from injury.

Until then, Bagayoko will have an opportunity to carve out a role and provide size, rebounding and interior depth.

More Talent Arriving in Lubbock

Bagayoko is just the latest addition to a busy offseason for McCasland and the Red Raiders.

Texas Tech also recently added Amari Barrett, a three-star shooting guard from Oklahoma City, giving the team another depth option on the perimeter.

Darrion Williams is also returning to Texas Tech after spending last season at NC State. Williams earned All-ACC honorable mention recognition after averaging 14.0 points per game while shooting 40.4% from three-point range.

The Red Raiders have made several other additions through the transfer portal, including Cruz Davis of Hofstra. Davis was one of the nation’s more productive scoring guards last season, averaging 20.1 points, 4.7 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game while earning CAA Player of the Year honors.

Texas Tech also added Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, an athletic guard from UNLV who brings perimeter defense and high-major experience, along with Damarion Dennis, a speedy point guard from Wyoming who provides additional playmaking and backcourt depth.

Jamichael Stillwell, a 6-foot-8, 245-pound forward from UCF, gives the Red Raiders another physical presence inside and should help strengthen the rebounding rotation while Toppin continues his recovery.

With the Big 12 remaining one of the most competitive conferences in college basketball, Texas Tech will need as much depth and talent as possible to make a serious push for the conference title.

And considering McCasland’s recent run of roster additions, the Red Raiders may not be finished building just yet. If Donovan Atwell also returns, Texas Tech could enter the season with one of the more intriguing rosters in the conference.