Reunion Canceled? Atwell's Texas Tech Return Takes Major Blow

LUBBOCK - After a long-rumored return to Texas Tech for Donovan Atwell, the pair made it official with news of a signing coming just days ago.

However, the jubilant feelings for the Red Raiders have taken a dash following yet another decision made within a courtroom.

The preliminary injunction granted by a Colorado judge that covered many members of the recruiting class of 2022 was given a stay order from the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals.

It is a massive move in favor of the NCAA, which is still working toward a complete reversal of the ruling through the appeal process, and renders these athletes ineligible once again after thought to be safe.

This group, of course, included Atwell, who sought out a potential fifth-year of competition after new eligibility guidelines set by the NCAA ahead of this upcoming athletic year.

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Atwell was initially believed to be finished in Lubbock by the time last season drew to a close in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

While he was only with Texas Tech for one year, Atwell made an immediate impact. He set the program record for made three-pointers in a single season with 130 and broke the Big 12's previous mark for most in a single year of conference play at 81.

These aforementioned moves from the NCAA caused rumblings from many athletes that would otherwise not have been able to participate were seeking to gain this additional year.

Atwell, fresh off an NBA Summer League showcase with the Chicago Bulls, suddenly emerged a surprising name after declined to sign an official deal with the professional franchise.

Many personal lawsuits were filed and several of those resulted in injunctions, but the ruling from the Colorado court seemed to put a halt to several of these remaining cases.

Atwell was originally part of a suit in North Carolina alongside former Red Raider turned fellow returnee, Darrion Williams before it was pulled in the wake of the blanket decision.

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Speaking of Williams, he and other fifth-year transfer Jamichael Stillwell were both unaffected by the recent order in a silver living for Texas Tech.

Stuck in limbo all alone, Atwell can follow in the footsteps of his other classmates and seek a personal injunction to overrule any circumstances in the ever-changing case in Colorado.

The program has yet to comment on its plans involving the standout guard nor has any additional news surfaced from Atwell himself.

However, it can be assured that Texas Tech will not give up on the chance to add one of its biggest game changers in modern memory back to a roster that is arguably one of the strongest it has ever boasted.