Texas Tech could be gearing up for the return of two former standouts, but would the reunion provide more than nostalgia?
In the wake of the new NCAA decision that grants athletes five years of play, several athletes across all different sports that would otherwise be finished are looking to take advantage of the extra opportunity.
This includes two former Red Raiders, Darrion Williams and Donovan Atwell, who are a part of a collective lawsuit seeking a temporary injunction from a court in North Carolina.
Williams, of course, has not been with the program since its run to the Elite Eight two years ago after he decided to head off to NC State following the memorable outing.
His stint with the Wolfpack was unceremonious to say the least, as the squad faltered late in the season and went out in the First Four of the NCAA Tournament to Texas.
In the disappointing final campaign, at least for now, Williams still flexed his skills with an average of 14 points and five rebounds for NC State.
Despite running out of eligibility, he has been heavily speculated to attempt a return to Lubbock in the event that he gained an additional year. These rumors were ramped up by Williams himself, who repeatedly shared photos of himself working out with the current Red Raiders team on social media.
On the other hand, Atwell's inclusion on the lawsuit was somewhat of a surprise, as the one-time Red Raider looked to be off to a career in the NBA. He previously signed a Summer League deal with the Chicago Bulls after going undrafted.
During that time, Atwell gradually heated up and showed off the hot-hand that made him such a valuable member of the most recent Red Raiders lineup.
In his lone year, he became the record holder for the most three-pointers in a single season for Texas Tech with 341 drained triples. Alongside that feat he averaged 13.5 points and made 46 percent of his three-point attempts.
With the news of the lawsuit breaking, Texas Tech was the first program tied to the pair but would their potential bonus year benefit the Red Raiders, as well?
Looking at the roster heading into next season, there are still a few gaps to fill for Grant McCasland and company. In the absence of first-round pick Christian Anderson and a few other notable names that hit the portal, the Red Raiders are in the midst of a slight rebuild.
Of course, phenomenal forward JT Toppin is set to return from a devastating ACL injury, which gives the program a huge boost.
And possibly in the wake of that announcement, McCasland was able to lure standout big man Jamichael Stillwell from UCF, who is awaiting an injunction of his own.
With interior play looking solid, Texas Tech is still in need of some perimeter pieces and Atwell fills that role perfectly. While he is a bigger body himself, Williams would be a welcome addition to a roster that may look to bully opposing defenses.
Although their time seemed to be over, do not be surprised if one or both of these former Red Raiders makes their way back home this upcoming season.
