CONFIRMED: Nation’s Top High School Basketball Star and Four-Star Power Forward Commit to Texas Tech Over Duke, Kentucky, Alabama

The landscape of college basketball recruiting has shifted dramatically—and perhaps irreversibly—as the Texas Tech Red Raiders have pulled off a double coup that has reverberated across the nation. In a moment that sent shockwaves through gyms, arenas, and recruiting circles alike, the No. 1 overall high school basketball player in America, alongside a four-star power forward from the class of 2026, have both committed to Texas Tech University. The announcement stunned blue-blood programs like Duke, Kentucky, and Alabama, all of whom had aggressively pursued the dynamic duo. But it was Lubbock, not Lexington or Durham, that ultimately won the day.

This seismic moment in Red Raiders basketball history is more than a mere win on the recruiting trail—it is a clarion call that Texas Tech is no longer a dark horse in college hoops. With this commitment, head coach Grant McCasland and his staff have boldly staked their claim to the future of the sport, turning West Texas into the new epicenter of basketball excellence.

The No. 1 player in the country, five-star combo guard Amir Robinson from Oak Hill Academy, made it official in front of a packed gym in Virginia, live-streamed on social media to over 150,000 viewers. Robinson, a 6-foot-5 phenom known for his scoring instincts, court vision, and magnetic charisma, had narrowed his list to Texas Tech, Duke, Kentucky, and Alabama before stunning the basketball world with a Red Raiders hat and a brief but potent message:

“They believed in me before the world did. I’m building something special in Lubbock.”

Moments later, his AAU teammate and close friend, four-star power forward Malik Price of Duncanville High School in Texas, followed suit in a coordinated announcement, citing “loyalty, trust, and vision” as the driving forces behind his decision to stay in-state. The 6-foot-9, 220-pound bruiser is considered one of the most versatile big men in the class of 2026, with an emerging perimeter shot and elite footwork in the paint.

The duo’s joint decision is historic. Not only is this the first time in program history that Texas Tech has landed the No. 1 overall player in a class, but it also marks the highest-rated two-player commitment on the same day in Red Raiders basketball history. And they’re not just elite prospects—they’re game-changers.

What’s even more stunning than the commitment itself is the reason behind it. Robinson, long expected to follow the well-trodden path to Duke or Kentucky, explained in a post-announcement interview that his decision was shaped by something deeper than facilities or NIL packages.

“When I visited Texas Tech, I saw something I didn’t see anywhere else,” Robinson said. “They weren’t just talking about banners. They were talking about legacy, leadership, and life after basketball. Coach McCasland didn’t pitch me a dream—he showed me a blueprint.”

Indeed, McCasland’s vision is as methodical as it is magnetic. After a gritty first season that showed flashes of brilliance, McCasland has leveraged Texas Tech’s modern facilities, strong alumni backing, and West Texas passion to construct a program capable of going toe-to-toe with the giants of the sport. Robinson and Price represent the cornerstone of that plan.

Price echoed Robinson’s sentiments, adding that the decision felt “destined.”

“Amir and I talked about it every day,” Price said. “We wanted to leave a mark. And we wanted to do it somewhere that wasn’t already built—we wanted to help build it ourselves. Texas Tech made us feel like family. And family’s everything.”

For a program that reached the national championship game in 2019 and has remained competitive since, this recruiting breakthrough signals a full return to the national spotlight—and possibly more. Robinson is already being labeled as a future lottery pick, a player with NBA-ready tools and a maturity beyond his years. In Price, the Red Raiders are getting a frontcourt anchor who thrives in both fast-break and half-court sets, with an intensity that defines Texas high school basketball.

Insiders close to Duke and Kentucky admitted to being caught off guard. Texas Tech entered the race relatively late, but their pitch was bold and direct: come to Lubbock, start a revolution, and write history instead of following someone else’s.

“It wasn’t about the flash,” Robinson’s father, Jamal, told reporters. “Texas Tech gave us substance. Every other place had noise. Lubbock had a plan.”

That plan is already generating buzz around the Big 12, a conference that’s become a powerhouse in college basketball. With Texas and Oklahoma heading to the SEC, new opportunities are emerging for programs like Texas Tech to rise to the top. McCasland’s strategic recruiting, combined with a loyal fanbase and a state-of-the-art player development program, gives the Red Raiders a legitimate shot at becoming the next national title contender.

The commitment is also a massive statement to other top-tier prospects considering their options. Robinson and Price could serve as trendsetters, proving that elite talent can succeed and elevate their profiles without adhering to the traditional recruiting pipelines.

From a national perspective, the implications are massive. Television networks, sponsors, and scouts will now be paying closer attention to the Red Raiders. Social media erupted after the announcement, with hashtags like #GunsUp2026 and #RedRaidersReign trending across platforms.

Former Tech stars chimed in too, including Jarrett Culver, who tweeted, “This is how dynasties start. Welcome to the family, young kings.”

The announcement is also likely to influence the transfer portal. Veteran players with an eye on competing for championships may now view Texas Tech as a destination program rather than a stepping stone. The buzz surrounding Robinson and Price is expected to attract additional elite recruits from the 2026 and 2027 classes who now see Lubbock as a launchpad.

Even within the broader recruiting landscape, this moment could signify a paradigm shift. Programs that have historically relied on brand prestige may need to reassess their approach. Texas Tech, with fewer bells and whistles but far more grit and authenticity, proved that relationships and genuine vision still matter.

In the words of ESPN analyst Paul Biancardi: “Texas Tech didn’t just win a recruiting battle—they redefined what’s possible in modern recruiting.”

The Red Raiders are already planning a celebratory weekend in Lubbock, including a Midnight Madness event expected to draw a sold-out crowd. With Robinson and Price set to make official visits during the event, the excitement is only growing. The energy surrounding the program hasn’t been this electric since the Final Four run under Chris Beard. But this time, it feels even more sustainable.

Texas Tech has done more than secure commitments. They’ve made a statement, inspired a movement, and given college basketball a new power player. As Robinson and Price prepare to take their final bows on the high school stage, all eyes now turn to Lubbock—because the future of the sport just picked a new home. And it’s clad in scarlet and black.