Tech ex McClung gets NBA dunk contest invitation

Former Texas Tech guard Mac McClung has accepted an invitation to take part in the NBA slam dunk contest during All-Star weekend, The Athletic and Stadium reported Friday, citing unnamed sources.

McClung, a 6-foot-2 guard, would be the first player from the NBA G League to participate in the event. He's playing for the Delaware Blue Coats, averaging 17.6 points and 4.4 assists per game through seven games this season. The Blue Coats are a minor-league affiliate of the Philadelphia 76ers.

The NBA's All-Star weekend is Feb. 17-19 in Salt Lake City. The slam dunk contest, along with the skills challenge and 3-point contest, are on a card scheduled for 7 p.m. Feb. 18. The All-Star Game is set for 7 p.m. Feb. 19.

McClung was named first-team All-Big 12 by The Associated Press and Big 12 newcomer of the year by coaches in 2021 after he transferred to Tech from Georgetown. He averaged 15.5 points per game in his only season to play for the Red Raiders.

Track and field

Former Texas Tech all-American Monae' Nichols won the women's long jump on Friday's first day of the Red Raiders' season-opening Corky Classic at the Sports Performance Center.

Nichols, now competing for Puma, went 21 feet, 1/2 inch.

As a Tech senior in 2022, Nichols finished second at the NCAA indoor championships, fourth at the NCAA outdoor championships and fourth again at the U.S. championships.

In the women's weight throw, Tech got third- and fourth-place finishes from Field Gatlin (59-1 1/2) and Malin Smith (58-7 1/4).

In the women's 600-yard run, Tech's Lexye Price got fourth in 1 minute, 23.06 seconds.

The meet continues Saturday. Field-event start times range from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Running-event start times range from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Volleyball

Texas Tech on Friday announced the signing of Destiny Cox, a 6-foot-1 outside hitter who will be a graduate transfer from Texas A&M.

Cox was an Under Armour all-America third-team selection coming out of Carrboro (N.C.) High School in 2018. She played at North Carolina from 2018-20 and at Texas A&M from 2021-22.

"She’s an incredible athlete with a big arm and has the ability to make a huge impact for us," coach Tony Graystone said in Tech's announcement. "Destiny has one season left and we’re thrilled she’ll do it with us."

Cox was credited with 519 kills, 155 digs and 84 blocks during her three seasons at North Carolina.

She had 62 kills, 21 digs and 15 blocks in 11 matches with the Aggies before being sidelined by a season-ending injury in 2021. She recorded no stats in 2022.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Sports roundup: Tech ex Mac McClung gets NBA slam dunk contest invitation