Texas Tech Star G Christian Anderson Available for NCAA Tournament

Sophomore guard leads Big 12 in assists per game and is projected as a first-round NBA draft pick.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 11:35am

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Texas Tech star guard Christian Anderson, an All-Big 12 first-team selection who leads the conference and is fourth nationally with 7.6 assists per game, will be available for the NCAA Tournament despite suffering a groin injury during the team's loss in the Big 12 tournament quarterfinals.

Why it matters

Anderson's availability is crucial for Texas Tech's NCAA Tournament hopes, as he is the team's leading scorer and playmaker. His potential first-round NBA draft status also makes his health a key storyline heading into the tournament.

The details

Anderson, a sophomore, slipped and injured his groin during the second half of Texas Tech's 75-53 quarterfinal loss to Iowa State on Thursday. He also averages 18.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. The Red Raiders (22-10, 12-6 Big 12) will find out their NCAA Tournament seed and opponent when the brackets are announced on Sunday.

  • On Thursday, Anderson slipped and injured his groin during the second half of Texas Tech's quarterfinal loss to Iowa State.
  • On Saturday, the school announced that Anderson will be available for the NCAA Tournament.

The players

Christian Anderson

A sophomore guard for Texas Tech who is an All-Big 12 first-team selection, leads the conference and is fourth nationally with 7.6 assists per game, and is projected to be a first-round NBA draft pick.

Texas Tech

The men's basketball team at Texas Tech University, which finished the regular season with a 22-10 record and 12-6 in Big 12 play.

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What they’re saying

“I'm feeling good. Obviously the floor is a bit slippery, so I think I just kind of misstepped or did a movement that caused me to slip and kind of ended up in a little unnatural position. That's what it was.”

— Christian Anderson

What’s next

The Red Raiders will find out their NCAA Tournament seed and opponent when the brackets are announced on Sunday.

The takeaway

Christian Anderson's availability for the NCAA Tournament is a major boost for Texas Tech, as he is the team's leading scorer and playmaker. His potential first-round NBA draft status also makes his health a key storyline heading into the tournament.