JT Toppin, the reigning Big 12 Player of the Year, has announced his decision to return to Texas Tech for his junior season. This move comes as a surprise to many, as Toppin was widely regarded as a potential first-round pick in the NBA draft ¹.
Toppin’s Impressive Performance
In his first season with the Red Raiders, Toppin averaged 18.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game, earning him numerous accolades, including ²:
– *Big 12 Player of the Year*
– *Big 12 Newcomer of the Year*
– *All-Big 12 First Team*
– *All-Big 12 Newcomer Team*
What to Expect Next Season
With Toppin’s return, Texas Tech is expected to remain a force in college basketball. He will lead the team alongside fellow returnee Christian Anderson, a 2025 Big 12 All-Freshman team honoree. The team’s roster is still in flux, as guard Darrion Williams has entered the transfer portal and declared for the NBA draft ³.
NIL Deal
Toppin’s decision to return to Texas Tech is reportedly tied to a lucrative NIL deal worth $4 million. This move ensures that the Red Raiders will have their star player back for another season, bolstering their chances of making a deep run in the NCAA tournament ⁴.
