Texas Tech men's hoops welcomed back one of its most valuable pieces after Donovan Atwell officially signed on with the Red Raiders.
LUBBOCK - In a move that has been highly speculated and rumored since the pivotal ruling from a Colorado courtroom, Donovan Atwell made his return to Texas Tech official.
The phenomenal guard was thought to be a one-time rental for the Red Raiders when he was brought in last season, but that did not stop him from making the most of his time in Lubbock.
By the time the year came to close, Atwell had made his way into the history books of Texas Tech. His hot-hand gave him the program's all-time lead in three-pointers after draining 130.
The sharpshooter also broke records within the Big 12, as his 83 made triples in conference play set a new leading mark.
Following his breakout stint with the Red Raiders, Atwell was presumed to be a fringe NBA Draft pick. However, he never saw his name called by any of the league's 30 franchises.
The Chicago Bulls did add him to their Summer League roster and gave him an opportunity to showcase his skills at the next level.
Despite an impressive performance in Las Vegas, no longterm deal was inked between Atwell and the Bulls.
This move coincided with the initial rumblings of potential ligation from members of the recruiting class of 2022 surrounding the new eligibility rules from the NCAA, which Atwell was a part of.
Rumors of a potential return from the sensational shooter truly caught fire after he alongside former-now-current Red Raider Darrion Williams filed a lawsuit in a North Carolina court seeking the extra year.
Their lawsuit never saw a formal ruling after it was withdrawn, which is presumed to be caused by the decision from the Colorado judge that covered most of the athletes seeking another season.
Regardless of how Atwell ended up back in Lubbock, Texas Tech is assuredly glad to have him back in scarlet and black.
And he won't be alone in a suddenly star-studded lineup for Grant McCasland and company.
Of course, Williams has already been mentioned, but the Red Raiders signed on another class of 2022 beneficiary in former UCF forward Jamichael Stillwell.
Add in Texas Tech staple and bonafide All-American JT Toppin and the Red Raiders are seemingly as deep as any program in the nation. That is not even counting the various other threats lurking throughout the roster.
After a offseason looming with doubts about the future, Texas Tech has cemented its status as one of the most dangerous program in college basketball and the return of Atwell only solidifies its standing.
