Though the Texas Tech basketball program has taken a deliberate approach toward building its 2026-27 roster, a pace that at times moved glacially, the process is nearing its completion. That continued on Friday when international big man Bassala Bagayoko committed to head coach Grant McCasland's squad.
The 6-foot-10 forward who grew up in Spain after being born in the African nation of Mali is an intriguing player. Once thought to be a top NBA Draft prospect, the now 19-year-old suffered a major knee injury in November of 2022, which changed his basketball trajectory. In fact, according to his NBA Draft profile at NBA.com, that injury sidelined him for two years.
Since getting back on the court, Bagayoko has worked his way through the tiers of the Spanish professional leagues. Playing in the top league in that country last season, he averaged 3.9 points and 3.4 rebounds per game while playing 12.1 minutes per game in 31 appearances.
NEWS: Bilbao big man Bassala Bagayoko has committed to Texas Tech, agent Hector Garcia tells DraftExpress.
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) August 14, 2026
The 6'10, 19-year-old Malian averaged 4.5 points and 3.8 rebounds in 14 minutes per game across ACB and FIBA Europe Cup play. pic.twitter.com/jslNfaRMgA
Despite those modest numbers, though, Bagayoko could blossom in Lubbock, especially if he's fully recovered from his injury. According to his NBA Draft profile, he's got unbelievable physical gifts to work with.
"He is an explosive, fluid athlete with an estimated 7-foot-6 wingspan, quick feet, long strides and vertical pop that separate him from most centers in this class. He runs the floor like a wing, finishes above the rim with authority and has the lateral quickness to switch onto guards in space. Defensively, his combination of length, mobility and instincts gives him the potential to be a dominant rim protector who can also handle switches on the perimeter. The offensive game remains raw, as he does most of his damage as a rim-runner, lob threat and putback scorer. The medical results will be the central question for any team considering Bagayoko, but he’s still only 19 years old and has time on his side."
Texas Tech doesn't need Bagayoko to be a superstar right away
For the Red Raiders, Bagayoko won't be asked to step into a lead role in 2026-27. The addition of UCF transfer forward Jamichael Stillwell solidifies McCasland's frontcourt until superstar forward JT Toppin can return to action after suffering his own major knee injury in February.
What Tech will ask of Bagayoko is to compete for backup minutes in the post. That's where the Red Raiders have a huge question mark, especially as Toppin rehabs.
Prior to adding Bagayoko, McCasland had only two players over 6-foot-9 on the roster. One of those is Marial Akuentok, a 6-foot-11 sophomore who only played in 15 games last season and averaged just 1.1 points and 1.7 boards. The other is redshirt freshman LaTrell Hoover, a San Antonio native who is yet to make his college basketball debut.
Therefore, it was obvious that McCasland and his staff would look to add options in the post this offseason. After missing out on many higher-profile post transfers earlier in the recruiting cycle, Tech has addressed what is its biggest concern heading into the upcoming campaign.
Now, the Red Raiders have 13 players in the fray for this season. Nine of those Red Raiders were not with the program last season.
This addition helps round out the roster and gives McCasland another big man to work with as Tech tries to beef up in the lane. Tech is still rumored to be trying to bring back sharpshooter Donovan Atwell, who is trying to gain a fifth year of eligibility via a court injunction. However, with Bagayoko now on board, this roster appears to be close to completion.
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