Texas Tech coach Grant McCasland previews Round of 32 matchup with Alabama

McCasland spoke about facing Crimson Tide star Labaron Philon and the challenges of rebounding without injured forward JT Toppin.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 6:20pm

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Texas Tech head coach Grant McCasland spoke to reporters ahead of the NCAA Tournament Round of 32 matchup against No. 4-seed Alabama. McCasland praised Alabama guard Labaron Philon, discussed his team's rebounding struggles without injured forward JT Toppin, and shared his respect for Alabama head coach Nate Oats and the Crimson Tide's competitive style of play.

Why it matters

This is a crucial matchup between two talented teams looking to advance to the Sweet 16. Texas Tech will need to find a way to slow down Alabama's high-powered offense and make up for the loss of Toppin on the glass if they want to pull off the upset.

The details

McCasland was particularly impressed with Philon's all-around game, saying "Every time I think I have a beat on it, it's something else that he shows. Man, he can score at all the levels, passes so well, he's competitive. His motor runs non-stop." The Texas Tech coach acknowledged his team has struggled on the boards since Toppin's injury, but is hoping players like Luke Bamgboye and Josiah Moseley can step up. McCasland also praised the competitiveness of Oats' Alabama squad, saying "It's one thing to play fast, it's another thing to compete and play fast, I just think their play their tails off and it's impressive watching them on film how hard they play, as fast as they play."

  • Texas Tech and Alabama will face off in the Round of 32 on Sunday, March 23, 2026.

The players

Grant McCasland

The head coach of the Texas Tech Red Raiders men's basketball team.

Labaron Philon

The star guard for the Alabama Crimson Tide men's basketball team.

JT Toppin

A forward for the Texas Tech Red Raiders who is currently injured.

Nate Oats

The head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide men's basketball team.

Christian Anderson

The veteran guard and leader of the Texas Tech Red Raiders team.

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What they’re saying

“Every time I think I have a beat on it, it's something else that he shows. Man, he can score at all the levels, passes so well, he's competitive. His motor runs non-stop.”

— Grant McCasland, Head Coach, Texas Tech Red Raiders

“It's one thing to play fast, it's another thing to compete and play fast, I just think their play their tails off and it's impressive watching them on film how hard they play, as fast as they play.”

— Grant McCasland, Head Coach, Texas Tech Red Raiders

What’s next

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The takeaway

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