Eye On College Basketball - Episode Summary
Title: '25 Summer Shootaround: Texas Tech spent more than $10 million on its roster. Will it be a top-10 team?
Release Date: August 11, 2025
Hosts: Gary Parrish and Jeff Borzello
Guest: Jeff Borzello, ESPN Analyst
Introduction
In this episode of Eye On College Basketball, hosts Gary Parrish and Jeff Borzello delve into Texas Tech's significant investment in its basketball roster, exploring whether the Red Raiders can ascend to a top-10 national ranking. The discussion is enriched with insights into roster changes, recruiting strategies, and predictions for the upcoming season.
Recap of Texas Tech's Previous Season
The conversation begins with a detailed recap of Texas Tech's last season, highlighting their impressive 29-win campaign and a strong showing as a three-seed team that reached the Elite Eight. A standout moment was their dramatic Sweet 16 victory against Arkansas, where they overcame a 16-point deficit with less than 10 minutes remaining, ultimately winning 85-83 in overtime.
Gary Parrish [08:16]: "That was a wild game. I'd say that was a top five game of the tournament."
Jeff reflects on the heartbreak of the Elite Eight loss to Florida, emphasizing missed opportunities and shooting woes.
Jeff Borzello [09:03]: "McCaslin's done exceeded expectations two years in a row at Tech."
Rankings and Perspectives on Texas Tech
Gary shares his evaluation process, placing Texas Tech at No. 10 in his rankings after observing their roster stabilization and strategic additions. Jeff concurs, positioning Texas Tech within the top 15 programs nationally and discussing their potential to remain in this echelon.
Jeff Borzello [11:24]: "I think this team is, you know, I don't know if I'm ready to say they're more talented than last year... But I think this is a team that can make this similar run they did last year."
Gary emphasizes the program's significant financial investments, noting their ability to outbid other programs for top talent.
Gary Parrish [12:13]: "Texas Tech as an entity has really stepped up and become as formidable as really almost any university from a funds standpoint."
JT Toppin’s Return and Expectations
A focal point of the discussion is JT Toppin, Texas Tech's standout player, who has committed to returning for another season despite substantial financial offers from the program. Jeff highlights Toppin's accomplishments, including averaging 18.2 points and 9.4 rebounds per game, and anticipates his continued dominance.
Jeff Borzello [16:05]: "I think he'll be in the mix to be preseason national Player of the Year... He deserves to be in this conversation going into the year."
Gary elaborates on Toppin’s potential impact, suggesting he could be among the top five players nationwide by April.
Gary Parrish [17:27]: "He deserves to be in this conversation going into the year."
Roster Changes and Financial Investments
The hosts discuss the significant roster turnover, with key players graduating or transferring, and the strategic additions aimed at maintaining competitiveness. Highlights include the acquisition of Lawan Watts from Washington State and a center from VCU, enhancing the team's defensive capabilities and depth.
Gary Parrish [19:33]: "They bring in some wing shooters... they're spending on guys that they think will fit."
Jeff praises the program’s targeted spending, noting that Texas Tech is investing wisely to bolster specific areas rather than indiscriminately splurging.
Jeff Borzello [25:02]: "I think they're spending it pretty wisely. I do think it's funny that they are one of those schools... spending a lot."
Recruiting and the Transfer Portal Dynamics
A substantial portion of the episode focuses on Texas Tech's aggressive moves in the transfer portal, leveraging financial incentives to secure pivotal players. Gary and Jeff analyze how these additions could synergize with existing talent, potentially elevating Texas Tech to a top-tier program.
Jeff Borzello [27:34]: "They're really probably only paying significant money to like six guys and to be north of 10 million with those... they're spending on guys that they think will fit and spending to find it."
Predictions for the Upcoming Season
Gary and Jeff offer their projections for Texas Tech's performance next season. Gary anticipates a strong regular-season record of 22-9, believing the team will secure a high seed in the Big 12 Tournament and maintain their status in the national rankings.
Gary Parrish [35:58]: "I think they're going to be 24 and 10 heading into selection Sunday. That's, that's my guess on them overall."
Jeff estimates a similar outcome, forecasting around eight losses and a robust performance in key matchups.
Jeff Borzello [36:58]: "So I say 23. Eight is what I would go with."
They agree that Texas Tech’s strategic roster construction and financial backing position them well for a successful season, potentially making a deep tournament run.
Non-Conference Schedule Analysis
The hosts examine Texas Tech’s challenging non-conference schedule, featuring tough matchups against Illinois, Purdue, Memphis, LSU, Arkansas, and Duke at Madison Square Garden. They discuss the difficulty of these games and how they will test the team's resilience and depth.
Gary Parrish [34:03]: "That's a really tasty matchup and I felt it was pretty creative."
Jeff Borzello [34:19]: "Playing... I'm fired up. Duke we always see in New York, but that's beside the point."
Closing Remarks and Future Episodes
The episode wraps up with light-hearted banter about fantasy leagues and upcoming podcast features. Gary reminds listeners about the ongoing auction for bonus episodes, encouraging fans to participate for personalized content.
Gary Parrish [41:57]: "We'll talk to you soon. Keep on the lookout and again, bid on those bonus auction items if you have not already."
Notable Quotes:
- Gary Parrish [08:16]: "That was a wild game. I'd say that was a top five game of the tournament."
- Jeff Borzello [16:05]: "He deserves to be in this conversation going into the year."
- Gary Parrish [25:02]: "I think they're spending it pretty wisely."
- Jeff Borzello [27:34]: "They're spending on guys that they think will fit and spending to find it."
Conclusion
This episode offers a comprehensive analysis of Texas Tech's ambitious roster investment and its implications for the future of their basketball program. Gary Parrish and Jeff Borzello provide listeners with in-depth insights, strategic evaluations, and informed predictions, making it an essential listen for fans eager to understand Texas Tech's trajectory in college basketball.
Stay Tuned:
Don't miss upcoming episodes of Eye On College Basketball as Gary and Jeff continue to break down the latest developments, including future Summer Shootaround shows and detailed team analyses. Make sure to participate in the bonus episode auctions ending on August 14th!