Texas Tech University Athletics
Officially Signed: Bassala Bagayoko
August 17, 2026 | Men's Basketball
LUBBOCK, Texas – Texas Tech head coach Grant McCasland has officially announced the signing of freshman Bassala Bagayoko who will join the Red Raider program for the 2026-27 season and with a five-year period of eligibility.
A 6-foot-10, 210-pound international signee, Bagayoko joins the Red Raiders after playing professionally for Bilbao Basket in Spain (Liga ACB) where he has helped lead the team to two straight FIBA Europe Cup titles. Originally from Bamako, Mali, Bagayoko moved to Spain when he was 12 and made history when he played as a 14-year-old for Baloncesto Fuenlabrada - becoming the youngest player ever to play in Spain's top professional league. Bagayoko, now 19 and with a 7-foot-6 wingspan, is coming off a season with Bilbao where he averaged 4.3 points and 3.6 rebounds per game.
In his 2026 NBA Draft profile, Bagayoko drew comparisons to Clint Capela, Robert Williams and Jalen Duren for his athletic profile and defensive potential. Prior to an injury in 2022, his NBA Draft projection was a potential top-five pick for the 2025 NBA Draft according to the profile.
Bassala is the ninth newcomer to join the Red Raiders for next season's roster following the signings of transfers Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn (UNLV), Cruz Davis (Hofstra), Damarion Dennis (Wyoming), Jamichael Stillwell (UCF) and Darrion Williams (NC State) along with incoming freshmen DaKari Spear (The Colony, Texas – Dynamic Prep), Trey Hall (Crowley, Texas – North Crowley HS) and Amari Barrett (Oklahoma City – Millwood HS).
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