3 observations from Texas Tech basketball's first practice of 2023-24 season

College basketball season has arrived and Grant McCasland held his first practice as head coach of the Texas Tech basketball team Thursday morning in United Supermarkets Arena.

Media were allowed to view the tail end of the practice session, which lasted about 20 minutes. The Red Raiders went through some general drills and closed with timed shooting from the top of the key and two wing positions beyond the 3-point line.

McCasland and players Darrion Williams, Joe Toussaint and Chance McMillian were each available for interviews following the practice. Here's what we saw, heard and learned from the start of the McCasland era.

Set those calendars: Texas Tech basketball to open Big 12 play at Texas; Lady Raiders at Houston

A look at Texas Tech basketball's big man rotation

Depth in the post is something the Red Raiders will deal with throughout the year. Arizona State transfer Warren Washington, standing at 7-feet tall, is the lone player on the roster taller than 6-8. His presence in the middle will be crucial for Tech to handle lengthier opponents such as Kansas' Hunter Dickinson.

Washington and KyeRon Lindsay, who transferred from Georgia in December and sat out the second half of the season, were the lone bodies going through big man drills on one end of the court in the viewing portion. Returner Robert Jennings and freshman Eemeli Yalaho were suited up but off to the side during these drills.

Texas A&M exhibition important on multiple levels

On Wednesday, it was announced that Texas Tech will be one of four teams participating in U-Sports Group's Compete 4 Cause Classic on Oct. 29.

McCasland will return to his old stomping grounds as the event is being held at the University of North Texas' arena known as The Super Pit. Technically, McCasland's old fans will get to see his new team before Red Raiders fans do.

After his first practice of the year, McCasland said the exhibition event allows the Red Raiders to get in front of the Metroplex and puts eyes on the UNT program as a whole.

However, the big takeaway is Texas Tech will take on Texas A&M, which will likely be nationally ranked when the season begins in November and projected by some, including The Almanac, to challenge for the SEC title.

"I think that it will give us a great test," McCasland said, "so that we know where we need to improve."

From the summer: Breaking down the 2023-24 Texas Tech basketball roster

Lamar Washington has made a leap

McCasland has spent plenty of time touting Pop Isaacs and Darrion Williams, two players expected to lead the Red Raiders this season. When asked who's made the biggest leap since he got to Lubbock, McCasland pointed to Lamar Washington.

The sophomore guard played sporadically in his freshman year but could be a key piece off the bench throughout the 2023-24 season. That would provide some much-needed depth, especially when it comes to ball handlers.

"I think he's made a big jump and continues to get better," McCasland said. "He's a guy that's been a part of this program and decided to stay. He's got some versatility. He's got some physciality. He can make great decisions. He's been fantastic."

In July, I tapped Washington as the second guard off the bench along with either Joe Toussaint or Chance McMillian, depending on how the starting five takes shape.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: 3 observations from Texas Tech basketball's first practice of season