Texas Tech braces for Kansas State at United Supermarkets Arena as Grant McCasland details life without JT Toppin and the new leadership role for Christian Anderson.
Texas Tech is back home at United Supermarkets Arena, but the vibe isn’t the usual “let’s roll” swagger, it’s more like: breathe, reset, and figure out who the Red Raiders are without JT Toppin.
In a press conference that felt equal parts scouting report and group therapy, head coach Grant McCasland didn’t sugarcoat what it was like hearing the news with Toppin in the room.
He called the moment “crushing,” then pivoted to the only thing coaches can sell in a week like this: purpose, perspective, and the next game on the schedule - Kansas State on Saturday.
McCasland’s respect for the Wildcats was personal.
He praised Jerome Tang as one of his favorite people and pointed to the way Kansas State has played “inspired” lately, especially after a strong showing against Baylor.
But the real focus was Toppin - not the points, not the rebounds, not the spacing he unlocks, but the human being who, in McCasland’s words, doesn’t want pity. Even on crutches, Toppin’s mindset reportedly leaned toward the team: he wants to be with the guys, and he’s worried about the one thing Tech can’t fake now - rebounding.
That’s where the chessboard changes.
McCasland made it clear the offense won’t be as simple without an All-American caliber anchor in the paint. The plan isn’t to reinvent everything, but to simplify possessions, avoid bad shots, and connect actions without coughing up turnovers.
He expects more touches spread across the roster - and he name-checked pieces he wants to feature more: Jaylen Petty, LeJuan Watts, Donovan Atwell, and Marial Akuentok.
The biggest shift? Leadership.
McCasland pointed to Christian Anderson as the conductor now - more vocal, more commanding, more responsible for getting everybody organized when the game gets messy.
Tech’s “best tandem” era is on pause, and the Red Raiders have to learn to win with more people involved.
And yes, the rotation is likely to loosen. McCasland signaled he’ll play more guys early, tie minutes to effort and accountability, and coach through mistakes - because there’s no other way to build a new identity in a hurry.
It’s not a fairy tale. It’s survival basketball. And Saturday is the first test.