Former WCBB Coach Marlene Stollings, Texas Tech Settle Discrimination Lawsuit
Aug 12, 2022
COLLEGE PARK, MD - FEBRUARY 28: Head coach Marlene Stollings of the Minnesota Golden Gophers watches the game against the Maryland Terrapins at the Xfinity Center on February 28, 2016 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images)
Former Texas Tech women's basketball head coach Marlene Stollings has reached a settlement with the school following a discrimination and retaliation lawsuit.
Per USA Today's Josh Peters, the settlement came after Stollings and the university filed a joint motion to settle on Wednesday and a judge dismissed the case on Thursday.
Stollings filed a lawsuit against the school and athletic director Kirby Hocutt in October 2020, two months after she was fired by the program. She said the firing was due to "discriminatory biases against female coaches" and also accused the school of fraudulent inducement, fraud, breach of contract and defamation.
Texas Tech announced Stollings' firing on Aug. 6, 2020, one day after USA Today's Jori Epstein and Daniel Libit published a report with allegations of abuse and a toxic culture during her two seasons with the program.
In the report, multiple Red Raiders players said Stollings and the coaching staff would call players "disgusting," "trash," "fat pig," "grossly out of shape" and "grossly disproportional."
Three international players told Epstein and Libit they were targeted by coaches and ridiculed over their English language skills.
One of the players, Marcella Lamark, who is from Brazil, said Stollings called her "dangerous" to teammates and gave her instructions to eat and train in isolation.
According to Peter, Stollings argued in her lawsuit against the school that "two internal reviews conducted by the school before the investigation was published cleared her of the allegations."
Peter noted Stollings was under contract through March 2024 at the time of her dismissal.
Stollings was hired by Texas Tech on April 9, 2018. She took the job after resigning from the University of Minnesota, where she spent four seasons as head coach.
The 47-year-old Stollings went 32-28 overall at Texas Tech (11-25 in the Big 12). She didn't make the NCAA tournament with the Red Raiders. She has a 164-117 career record in 10 seasons as a head coach with four different programs.
Krista Gerlich replaced Stollings as head coach at Texas Tech. She is 21-34 overall in two seasons with the program.
No. 3 Texas Tech Avoids No. 11 Notre Dame's Upset Bid, Will Face Duke in Sweet 16
Mar 21, 2022
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 20: Kevin Obanor #0 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders reacts during the first half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the second round game of the 2022 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 20, 2022 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Texas Tech is heading to the Sweet 16 in the West Regional, but it sure didn't come easy.
The Red Raiders beat Notre Dame 59-53 on Sunday in what was a scrappy, tight matchup at the NCAA men's basketball tournament.
The largest lead for either side was just seven points, held by third-seeded Texas Tech, as neither team created a comfortable cushion and traded the lead back and forth in the second half. The Red Raider defense, in particular, clamped down, holding No. 11 seed Notre Dame to just 32.7 percent shooting from the field.
But Texas Tech had its own offensive issues, shooting just 4-of-15 from three (26.7 percent).
It wasn't an aesthetically pleasing win, but Texas Tech is heading to the Sweet 16 all the same.
Key Stats
Bryson Williams, Texas Tech: 14 points
Kevin Obanor, Texas Tech: 15 points, 15 rebounds, one block
Kevin McCullar, Texas Tech: 14 points
Dane Goodwin, Notre Dame: 14 points, eight rebounds
Paul Atkinson Jr., Notre Dame: Five points, four rebounds
Blake Wesley, Notre Dame: 11 points, eight boards
Obanor Came Up Big
Obanor was Texas Tech's fourth-leading scorer on the season, but with the Red Raiders struggling to establish much flow offensively, they needed someone to get them buckets.
So he did what was needed, particularly in the first half.
Kevin Obanor has last nine for Texas Tech. Only guy for either team with any sort of offensive mojo right now.
Kevin Obanor came to Tech to do more in March than score an upset. Hes playing like he’s got bigger goals today. About the only Red Raider who can hit a dang shot
Texas Tech's Kevin Obanor has a double-double. He's had a double-double in all five NCAA Tournament games he's played in going back to last year with Oral Roberts.
Add in his work on the boards, and he was huge for Texas Tech. The Red Raiders rotated in 10 players on Sunday night, but Obanor's minutes proved particularly crucial.
With Atkinson Struggling and Notre Dame Running out of Steam, Goodwin Tried to Step Up
Atkinson averaged 16 points per game this season but was barely a factor against Texas Tech, shooting just 1-of-4 from the field. Wesley, the team's second-leading scorer, struggled from the field (3-of-15) as well.
Thus, Goodwin answered the call, contributing 14 points while going a team-best 5-of-8 from the floor. Even so, almost every one of the Fighting Irish's buckets was a battle of attrition.
Notre Dame, playing its third game this week after being in the First Four, appeared to run out of gas down the stretch. But Goodwin did his part.
What's Next?
Texas Tech will face No. 2 seed Duke on Thursday. The time is yet to be determined.
No. 1 Baylor's Unbeaten Season Spoiled by No. 19 Texas Tech in Big 12 Upset
Jan 12, 2022
WACO, TX - JANUARY 11: Adonis Arms #25 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders drives inside as Matthew Mayer #24 of the Baylor Bears moves to defend in the first half at the Ferrell Center on January 11, 2022 in Waco, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
Tuesday was not a good day to be an undefeated team in men's college basketball.
After USC lost to Stanford, Baylor was the last remaining undefeated team in the country. Turns out, that lasted merely hours.
The No. 19 Texas Tech Red Raiders went on the road Tuesday and stunned the top-ranked Bears with a 65-62 upset. The victors improved to 12-3 on the season and 2-1 in Big 12 play, while Baylor fell to 15-1 overall and 3-1 in the league.
James Akinjo's potential game-tying three in the final seconds came up short, clinching the upset for the visitors.
While the Red Raiders had five players score in double figures, they won the game on the defensive side.
That's not particularly surprising considering they are fourth in the nation in Ken Pomeroy's pace-adjusted defensive rankings. They swarmed Baylor's outside shooters while holding the country's top team to just 8-of-24 shooting from deep and cut off its driving lanes while forcing 14 turnovers.
The last possession in particular stood out, as the Bears struggled to create a quality shot and were left with Akinjo tossing up a contested miss.
Adam Flagler and Akinjo each scored 17 points, but LJ Cryer was the only other Baylor player to score in double figures with 10.
Adonis Arms spearheaded the offensive effort for Texas Tech with 14 points, but he also stuffed the stat sheet with nine rebounds, five assists and two blocks. His ability to get into the lane and either finish himself or create for others was enough for the Red Raiders to overcome their own shooting woes at 4-of-14 (28.6 percent) from deep.
It has been quite the stretch for the victors considering they also defeated No. 6 Kansas on Saturday. The Red Raiders look the part of Big 12 contenders in the early portion of the conference schedule and will look to continue their momentum when they face Oklahoma State on Thursday.
Baylor will attempt to bounce back from its first loss when it plays the Cowboys in its next game as well on Saturday.
While the Bears will be in the unfamiliar position of playing after a loss, they are still in an ideal spot to earn a No. 1 seed come Selection Sunday when they will be attempting to defend their national title.
Mac McClung Withdraws from Transfer Portal, Still Considering NBA Draft
Apr 22, 2021
Texas Tech's Mac McClung (0) controls the ball during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against TCU in Lubbock, Texas, Tuesday, March 2, 2021. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
Texas Tech guard Mac McClung has withdrawn from the NCAA transfer portal but left open the possibility of moving on to the NBA.
"Just didn't feel right in my heart," McClung wrote Thursday on Twitter. "Whatever decision I make in the near future with the NBA process, I will always want to be a part of Red Raider Nation."
On April 11, he had announced his plans to prepare for the NBA draft while also entering the transfer portal:
The Gate City, Virginia, native averaged 15.5 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game in 2020-21 after transferring from Georgetown. He also shot 41.9 percent from the field and 34.3 percent from beyond the arc, both of which were personal bests.
McClung's original decision came 10 days after Texas officially announced the hiring of head coach Chris Beard from Texas Tech. The Red Raiders subsequently promoted associate head coach Mark Adams to succeed Beard.
Stadium's Jeff Goodman noted McClung would've needed the NCAA to grant him a waiver in order to receive immediate eligibility at another school. That's not a problem at Texas Tech. Adams also provides a level of continuity for players on last year's squad, which might have played into McClung's final decision.
The 21-year-old now has until July 19 to decide if he'll be a part of this year's draft class ahead of the July 29 event.
Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman omitted McClung from his most recent big board. Likewise, he wasn't among the top 100 prospects on ESPN.com or for Sam Vecenie of The Athletic.
Returning to Lubbock might be the best move to help his hopes of carving out an NBA career.
'Last Chance U' Star Recruit KJ Allen Flips Commitment from USC to Texas Tech
Apr 14, 2021
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 10: A general view of the Texas Tech Red Raiders uniform logo during the second half of the Jimmy V Classic college basketball game between the Louisville Cardinals and the Texas Tech Red Raiders on December 10, 2019 at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
KJ Allen, who was one of the featured players for East Los Angeles College on the inaugural season of Last Chance U: Basketball, announced on Instagram that he has flipped his commitment from USC to Texas Tech.
"After careful consideration these last few weeks with my friends and family I have decided to De-Commit from USC," Allen wrote.
"I thank [USC head men's basketball coach Andy Enfield] and his staff for their belief in me. I wish them the best.
"I would like to thank all the schools that have recruited me and am very appreciative. At this time, I would like to announce that I will be committed to Coach [Mark] Adams and the Texas Tech Red Raiders💯#WreckEm."
247Sports ranks Allen, a 6'6", 225-pound power forward, as the 10th-best junior college prospect in the class of 2021. He was given a 3-star rating.
East Los Angeles College went 29-1 and reached the California Community College Athletic Association Championship quarterfinals before the season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Allen joins a rebuilding Texas Tech program that has seen seven players either enter the transfer portal or put their names in consideration for the NBA draft since head coach Chris Beard announced he was leaving for Texas.
Mark Adams, who was Beard's associate head coach, has taken over a program that went 18-11 and reached the second round of the NCAA tournament.
Texas Tech's Mac McClung Declares for 2021 NBA Draft, Enters Transfer Portal
Apr 11, 2021
Texas Tech guard Mac McClung (0) shoots a three-point shot during the second half of a first round game against Utah State in the NCAA men's college basketball tournament, Friday, March 19, 2021, at Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
Texas Tech star Mac McClung announced Sunday he was declaring for the 2021 NBA draft while simultaneously entering the NCAA transfer portal.
College players are permitted to enter the NBA draft process and retain their NCAA eligibility as long as they do not hire any outside representation. That allows players like McClung to receive feedback from pro scouts before deciding whether to stay in the draft or return to school. Should McClung take the latter route, he will not be heading back to Lubbock.
The junior from Virginia, who began his career at Georgetown, first made a name for himself with his eye-popping in-game dunks but began rounding out his game under head coach Chris Beard as a member of the Red Raiders.
McClung averaged 15.5 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game with TTU in 2020-21. With Beard leaving the program to take over for Shaka Smart at Texas, now is as good a time as any for McClung to test out his standing in the league.
It's the second time McClung has put his name in the NBA draft pool. He originally declared last season before ultimately deciding to return to college and enter the transfer portal. According to ESPN's Jonathan Givony, McClung conducted 11 interviews during the predraft process last spring before withdrawing from the class.
"Going through this process was really informative," McClung said last May. "I got a chance to speak to the decision-makers and hear what they thought about my game. They shared with me things I need to work on to be successful at the next level. I'm very optimistic about the feedback I have received and can't wait to take that knowledge to my future home."
Despite improving his offense last season, Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman did not include the guard in his latest complete mock draft following the NCAA tournament.
Mac McClung 'Considering' Returning to Texas Tech, Forgoing NBA Draft, Says HC
Apr 7, 2021
BLOOMINGTON, IN - MARCH 19: Mac McClung #0 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the first round of the 2021 NCAA Division I Mens Basketball Tournament against Utah State Aggies held at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on March 19, 2021 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Ben Solomon/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)
Mac McClung's time with the Texas Tech Red Raiders may not be done just yet.
"He's considering coming back," Texas Tech head coach Mark Adams told the College Hoops Today podcast. "I'm going to meet with Mac and his family soon. I want the best for these guys. I just want these guys to know that I'm going to support him either way."
Who will remain on Texas Tech's roster after Chris Beard left to coach the Texas Longhorns has been a primary focus of the early offseason for the Red Raiders.
Branson Nash of the Dallas Morning News noted Marcus Santos-Silva and Micah Peavy are in the transfer portal but Kevin McCullar and Kyler Edwards both said they were coming back with Adams now installed as the head coach.
Texas Tech went 18-11 during the 2020-21 season and lost in the second round of the NCAA men's tournament to Arkansas.
Beard was a major loss considering he took the Red Raiders to the Final Four for the first time in program history in 2019 and went 112-55 in five seasons as the head coach. However, getting McClung to return would be a major boost for the team's outlook during the upcoming season.
The All-Big-12 second-team selection averaged 15.5 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game during his first season with Texas Tech after transferring from Georgetown. He was the team's leading scorer and often the go-to option in crunch time and would likely fill a similar role in 2021-22.
Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman did not list McClung among the top 50 players for the 2021 NBA draft on his latest big board.
Mark Adams Reportedly Hired as Texas Tech HC After Chris Beard Takes Texas Job
Apr 6, 2021
Texas Tech assistant coach Mark Adams yells out to the players during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Tennessee State, Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019, in Lubbock, Texas. (AP Photo/Brad Tollefson)
Mark Adams will take over as head coach of the Texas Tech men's basketball program following the hire of former head coach Chris Beard at Texas, according to CBS Sports' Jon Rothstein.
Adams, a Texas Tech alum, is in his second stint on the Red Raiders coaching staff. He rejoined the program in 2016-17 as an assistant coach and was promoted to associate head coach before the 2019-20 campaign.
Former Texas Tech assistant Ulric Maligi followed Beard to the Longhorns, according to Pete Thamel of Yahoo Sports.
Adams was the director of basketball operations from 2013-15, for three of the four seasons that his son Luke Adams played on the team.
According to his team bio, Adams was heavily involved with the team's defense in his role as associate head coach, and under his guidance, the Red Raiders were regularly one of the top defensive units in the nation.
He helped lead the team to the national championship in 2019, a year after the program reached the Elite Eight.
He holds a 554-244 record through 23 seasons as a head coach with five different programs, with his last stint at the helm of a program coming from 2004-13 at Howard College. He led the 2010 team—which was headlined by Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder—to the NJCAA national championship and was named the NJCAA National Coach of the Year for his efforts.
In 2017, he was inducted to the Wayland Baptist Hall of Fame in recognition of his work with the program from 1983-87.
Adams holds 15 Coach of the Year honors and has appeared in eight national tournaments (three NJCAA, three NAIA, two NCAA Division II).
Report: Bucks' Darvin Ham to Interview for Texas Tech Head Coaching Vacancy
Apr 3, 2021
CHARLOTTE, NC - FEBRUARY 15: Darvin Ham, Head Coach of the U.S Team looks on during the 2019 NBA All-Star Rising Stars Practice and Media Availability on February 15, 2019 at Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Michelle Farsi/NBAE via Getty Images)
Following Chris Beard's departure, Texas Tech is reportedly going to interview one of its most famous alums for the vacant men's head basketball coaching job.
Per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Texas Tech has received permission from the Milwaukee Bucks to interview assistant coach Darvin Ham this weekend.
Beard was officially introduced as the head coach at the University of Texas on Thursday.
Chip Brown of 247Sports reported that Beard agreed to a seven-year, $35 million contract to replace Shaka Smart. The 48-year-old graduated from Texas in 1995 and was a graduate assistant for the program under Tom Penders.
Ham transferred to Texas Tech in 1993 after spending one season at Otero Junior College. He appeared in 90 games over three years with the Red Raiders and averaged 8.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per contest.
Since retiring from professional basketball as a player in 2008, Ham has been a coach for the past 13 seasons. He was a head coach for the 2010-11 season with the New Mexico Thuderbirds in the NBA G League.
Ham has been one of Mike Budenholzer's top assistants dating back to 2013-14 with the Atlanta Hawks. He joined Budenholzer with the Bucks in 2018.
Texas Tech reached the national title game during the 2018-19 season with a 31-7 record. It made the NCAA tournament this season as a No. 6 seed but lost 68-66 to Arkansas in the second round.
