LUBBOCK – Texas Tech head coach Grant McCasland addressed local media on Thursday in a press conference that lasted 13 minutes, focusing on the team’s upcoming challenge against No. 3 Duke at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night. The 19th-ranked Red Raiders aim to build on their recent victory against Northern Colorado as they prepare to face a formidable Blue Devils squad that remains unbeaten and has already claimed wins over four ranked opponents this season.
In his opening remarks, McCasland expressed enthusiasm for the matchup against Duke: “It’s a great time to be playing college basketball, and we’re excited to be going to Madison Square Garden to face a tremendous Duke team. Coach Scheyer has done an awesome job with this young group with some experience, blending it well. They have one of the best players in the country, and the way they compete is something I have a lot of respect for. We’re looking forward to a great opportunity to play a great team.”
When asked about Duke’s standout freshman, Cameron Boozer, who is averaging 23.3 points and 10.2 rebounds, McCasland praised Boozer’s winning mentality. “Boozer is not only a great talent, but you can tell he’s a winner. Look at how he dominated in the Arkansas game—it shows he brings a competitive edge when it matters most.”
The coach emphasized that the Red Raiders’ goal is not just to compete but to achieve victory, regardless of the opponent. “For us, having these kinds of games is great, but our intent is to win them. This group is continuing to grow, and we need to focus on delivering our best effort. The goal is to handle the hostile environment we will face, especially given the expected presence of Duke supporters.”
McCasland also highlighted the team’s development and accountability: “When your team starts to hold each other accountable, it looks different. I’ve seen our players communicate more effectively over the past few weeks, which is a positive sign as they recognize what they need to improve on together.”
Addressing the adjustments being made due to player rotations, the head coach remained adaptable yet cautious, stating, “We’re exploring a lot of different lineup possibilities, but the most important aspect is ensuring our effort remains high.”
As for facing a top-tier defensive team like Duke, McCasland noted, “Duke is exceptional defensively with a solid plan and effort. We need to be versatile in our approach. I believe in our team’s ability to adapt and improve defensively, and I am confident that we can show our potential against strong competition.”
McCasland concluded on an optimistic note: “Every day in practice, we challenge our players to compete and build their confidence. We’re excited for this game. Let’s see what we’ve got.”
Fans can look forward to an intense matchup as the Red Raiders take on the Blue Devils, aiming to make a statement in one of college basketball’s most historic venues.