Kentucky’s next exhibition brings a much stiffer test, and Texas Tech coach Grant McCasland isn’t hiding from it.
After the Wildcats opened the preseason with a 69-49 win over Travis Ford and Little Rock, they now welcome No. 19 Texas Tech to Lexington on Friday for what figures to be their first true measuring stick against high-major competition. McCasland talked up the matchup Tuesday at Big 12 Media Days, calling the trip to Rupp Arena exactly the kind of challenge his team wants.
“We haven’t shied away from competition at Texas Tech. It’s the one thing we’re excited about,” McCasland said.
“So playing on the road, playing at Kentucky will be a great start. It’ll be a great test.”
The Red Raiders bring plenty of talent into the season, with JT Toppin back after earning First Team All-American honors and Darrion Williams returning from NC State after beginning his career in Lubbock. Texas Tech also added Cruz Davis from Hofstra and Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn from UNLV in the backcourt, while four-star freshman DaKari Spear arrives as the highest-rated signee in program history.
Even with that collection of pieces, McCasland said the biggest thing he wants to see is still on the defensive end.
“I’ll tell you, these guys will tell you, our defense is better than it’s been,” he said. “That’s the area, if we could say one thing I would like to see us improve, especially in this exhibition game and moving forward, is how well do we defend? And then, can we rebound at a high level?”
The injury situation leaves Texas Tech without some size and punch. Toppin, who is coming back from a torn ACL, will not play in Lexington. Jamichael Stillwell, a fifth-year forward from UCF, is also unlikely to be available.
“JT is one of the best rebounders in the country and we don’t have him. And Jamichael Stilwell being another guy, we don’t know if we’ll have him participating in that game,” McCasland continued.
“But Cruz Davis, Dra Lawhorn-I mean, I love our roster. (Damarion) Dennis-I mean, we’ve got a great team.
… Our depth is really important. I think just strengthening that depth and seeing that early will really be of benefit.”
Kentucky and Texas Tech tip off Friday at 7 p.m. ET on SEC Network+.
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