The Big 12 Conference is witnessing a remarkable season in college basketball, marked by an exceptional freshman class. Among the standout talents are BYU’s AJ Dybantsa, Arizona’s Koa Peat, Kansas’ Darryn Peterson, and Houston’s Kingston Flemings. Their impressive performances have dominated headlines, yet one player is quietly making a compelling case to repeat as Big 12 Player of the Year: JT Toppin of Texas Tech.
Toppin, a junior forward from Dallas, has returned for a second season with the Red Raiders, determined to lead his team to a deeper postseason run. His current campaign has proven that he has elevated his game, making it increasingly difficult for opponents to contain his skills. Despite the spotlight on younger stars, Toppin’s consistent excellence has made him a focal point of attention in the conference.
Dominating Performances Highlight Toppin’s Skills
In a recent matchup against Houston, Toppin showcased his abilities with a stunning 31-point, 12-rebound double-double, contributing significantly to Texas Tech’s 90-86 victory. His performance came under the scrutiny of Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson, who acknowledged Toppin’s impact during the game. “Toppin,” Sampson quipped, “did a great job on him, didn’t we?”
Toppin’s game against the Cougars saw him face off against Joseph Tugler, widely regarded as one of the best defenders in college basketball. The two players engaged in a physical battle throughout the game, exchanging friendly banter off the court, which reflected mutual respect forged through their competitive encounters.
“We just understand we’re just both trying to help our team win,” Toppin noted. “We just got a lot of respect for each other, how hard we play.” Toppin’s intensity is unmatched, evidenced by his ability to secure six offensive rebounds in that game alone. This season, he has tallied 13 double-doubles, surpassing his total from the previous year.
New Skills Elevate Toppin’s Game
What sets Toppin apart this season is not merely his scoring ability but the expansion of his skill set. He has adapted to defensive strategies aimed at neutralizing his signature right-shoulder floating hook shot. Recently, he has demonstrated an increased capability to finish with his right hand, a notable development from his earlier seasons. Additionally, his ball-handling skills have improved, allowing him to initiate plays and drive to the basket effectively.
Toppin’s progress is complemented by an uptick in free-throw shooting. After struggling early in the season, he has transformed his performance at the line, converting 76% of his attempts since the start of Big 12 play. Against Houston, he went 7-of-8 at the charity stripe, underscoring his improvement.
Despite his impressive statistics, Toppin remains overshadowed by younger prospects vying for attention in the NBA Draft. Analysts have noted that Toppin and teammate Christian Anderson may inadvertently diminish each other’s chances for first-team All-American recognition due to their shared roles on the team. Nonetheless, both players are being acknowledged for their contributions on the national stage.
Grant McCasland, Texas Tech’s head coach, has been vocal about Toppin’s value beyond the statistics. He emphasized the importance of team success in bolstering Toppin’s candidacy for the Big 12 Player of the Year award. “JT is impacting winning at the highest level, on defense and offense,” McCasland stated. “It’s our job to keep winning so that we can put him in that conversation.”
As the season progresses, Toppin’s performance will be critical in determining not only his recognition as an individual player but also Texas Tech’s success in the Big 12. With 11 regular-season games remaining, Toppin is poised to continue his ascent and solidify his legacy within the conference.
