A first look at Texas Tech basketball's dynamic potential starting lineup for 2024-25

Now that the Texas Tech basketball team's 2024-25 roster is nearly complete, let's look at what a dynamic starting lineup Grant McCasland could field.

Mar 2, 2024; Morgantown, West Virginia, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Darrion Williams (5) celebrates a made three point basket during the first half against the West Virginia Mountaineers at WVU Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports / Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports

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Power forward: JT Toppin

Last season, the Texas Tech basketball team was rather weak at the power-forward spot. That won't be the case in 2024-25 with New Mexico transfer JT Toppin manning that role in the starting lineup.

Toppin, the 2024 Mountain West Conference Freshman of the Year will give the Red Raiders athleticism, scoring, and rebounding in the post. He is also a stout defender who can protect the rim thanks to a seven-foot wingspan.

Last season, he put up 12.4 points and a ridiculous 9.1 rebounds per game. Contrast that with what Tech got from its primary power forward this past season, Robert Jennings (4.4 points and 3.3 rebounds per game), and it is easy to see how the Red Raiders will be much better next season.

Toppin will potentially be only a one-year solution, though. This summer, he went through the NBA Draft Combine before deciding to return to school. If he takes a significant step forward as a sophomore, he could be a first-round pick a year from now.

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