SWC champions return! Relive the magic of Texas Tech's 1996 dynasty as legends gather for a special homecoming, celebrating a legacy of dominance.
Thirty years ago, Texas Tech basketball didn’t just win games; it bulldozed the Southwest Conference and announced itself to the college basketball world.
On Saturday night, that standard-setting 1995-96 Red Raider team is coming home.
During the first half of No. 15 Texas Tech’s showdown with No. 11 BYU at United Supermarkets Arena, the SWC champions who went 30-2, ran the table in conference play and reached the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16, will be honored in front of the Red Raider faithful.
It’s a reunion decades in the making - and one that still gets people smiling.
“What an unbelievable team,” head coach Grant McCasland said this week. “I can’t believe it’s been 30 years. That team had no weaknesses. You felt them. They could score, they guarded you, had rim protection and were tough.”
McCasland would know.
He’s been around plenty of good teams — and he’s also been around these guys. Texas Tech’s legendary run was led by head coach James Dickey, then in his fifth season, and powered by a roster that still reads like a Hall of Fame roll call: Jason Sasser, Cory Carr, Tony Battie, Darvin Ham, Jason Martin, Koy Smith and more.
Several of those names will return to Lubbock on Saturday, along with Dickey and multiple assistant coaches.
The numbers still pop three decades later.
After an early-season loss to Eastern Michigan, Tech ripped off a 23-game winning streak - still the longest in program history - including a spotless 14-0 run through SWC play.
The Red Raiders didn’t lose at home, didn’t blink in the conference tournament, and didn’t shy away from anyone nationally.
And yes, there were moments that have only grown in legend.
Darvin Ham shattering a backboard against North Carolina in the NCAA Tournament remains one of the most replayed highlights in college basketball history. Tony Battie patrolled the paint like a bouncer with a whistle, Jason Martin dished assists with precision, and Sasser - the engine - poured in 19.5 points per game while stacking awards.
Battie’s dominance eventually made him the highest NBA Draft pick in program history. Ham went on to win an NBA title and coach the Lakers. Sasser will soon add another honor when he’s inducted into the Texas Tech Basketball Ring of Honor.
Saturday isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s about reminding everyone where Texas Tech basketball’s edge was forged - toughness, defense, and an attitude that said Lubbock belonged on the national stage.
As McCasland put it, “They pushed us into the limelight.” Thirty years later, they’re still lighting the way.