Agent says Texas Tech’s Christian Anderson will remain in 2026 NBA draft
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Lubbock, Texas — May 26, 2026
Texas Tech standout guard Christian Anderson is keeping his name in the 2026 NBA draft, his agent Aaron Mintz of CAA Basketball confirmed Tuesday.
Anderson, projected as a top-20 selection and ranked No. 16 in ESPN’s latest mock draft, had signaled in early April that he was “all-in” on turning professional. Feedback from the NBA draft combine and subsequent team workouts solidified that stance.
“This is a dream I’ve worked toward my entire life,” Anderson said in a statement. “I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to compete at the highest level, and I’m ready to make the most of it.”
Combine boosts stock
The 6-foot-3 Atlanta native posted one of the combine’s top shooting displays, converting 73.7% of attempts across four drills and hitting 27 of 30 shots off the dribble. Measurements showed a plus-5.25-inch wingspan and a 40.5-inch vertical leap. He has completed visits with four NBA franchises during the pre-draft circuit.
College résumé
As a sophomore last season, Anderson averaged 18.5 points and 7.4 assists—third nationally—while shooting 41.5% from three-point range. He earned third-team All-America honors, a first-team All-Big 12 spot and the conference’s Most Improved Player award.
Anderson credited head coach Grant McCasland for early trust, noting he logged more than 30 minutes per game as a freshman before his breakout sophomore year. “Coach believed in me, developed me and pushed me to be the best version of myself every single day,” he said.
International experience
Anderson’s rise began at the 2025 FIBA Under-19 World Cup, where he averaged 17.3 points and 6.6 assists while guiding Germany to silver and earning All-Star Five recognition. The 20-year-old also owns gold medals from the 2018 FIBA U18 EuroBasket and 2022 FIBA U16 European Championship and appeared with Germany’s senior national team at last summer’s FIBA EuroBasket.
Red Raiders reload
With Anderson departing, McCasland has reinforced the backcourt by adding high-scoring transfers Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn (UNLV) and Cruz Davis (Hofstra), each of whom averaged more than 20 points last season. Top-25 recruit Dakari Spear will also arrive in Lubbock. Texas Tech has reached three consecutive NCAA tournaments under McCasland, including an Elite Eight run in 2025.
Source: ESPN
