Texas Tech basketball squarely in the mix for elite high school center

Though the focus of most fans is on the upcoming Texas Tech football season, we can't forget about Grant McCasland and his basketball program. The Red Raiders just wrapped up their summer practice sessions and now, the focus has turned to recruiting the next wave of talent to come to Lubbock.

Though Tech's recruiting efforts have largely been focused on the transfer portal during McCasland's brief tenure, the class of 2025 seems to be where he is trying to mix in a few high-profile high school recruits as well. One of the top high school targets on the Red Raiders' radar is Jaden Toombs, who Tech has been recruiting with all its might for well over a year.

Now, it appears that the Dallas native is closing in on a decision about where he'll play his college basketball. Tuesday, it was reported by Joe Tipton and other college basketball sources that Toombs has cut his list of suitors down to five programs and the Red Raiders are included in that group.

Also still in the running are SMU, Alabama, Miami, and LSU. Though this is an important step in the process, Toombs has not given an indication of when he might make his final decision.

“I want to go to a school that will play hard and let me be me. Development will be big for me too," Toombs told On3. "I would like to go to a place where I can go and use my full skill set while also being able to play really hard.”

This prospect is believed to be one of Tech's top targets in the 2025 class. And it is easy to see why.

The 6-foot-9 center is rated by 247Sports.com as the No. 5 center and No. 47 overall player in the nation for the class of 2025. He holds offers from the five schools already mentioned as well as Creighton and Oklahoma State.

Brandon Jenkins of 247Sports has the following scouting report on Toombs:

"Toombs is a true center who consistently plays with effort. He is strong and skilled enough to post up with confidence and is effective in playing on the block. All of his production offensively comes as a finisher inside.

"He has solid hands to catch passes in tight spaces and a nice touch to score off soft hooks in a crowd with reliability. His work ethic towards getting better is displayed through his body. His frame and conditioning have noticeably improved over the years as he has been a steadfast worker in being a big who can get up and down the floor.

"While he shows skill and plays with a solid motor, Toombs can play above the rim but is not one who affects the game with his ability to get off the floor. However, he is fundamentally sound in his approach to the game. Whether it is setting screens, competing on the glass, running the floor, or creating scoring opportunities on the post with great footwork, Toombs has all the tools to be a valuable piece to the puzzle from the five-man spot."

Needless to say, this is a huge recruiting battle for Texas Tech basketball fans to follow. Players with Toombs' size and skillset are hard to find so expect McCasland and Co. to pull out all the stops to try and bring this big man to the South Plains.