The top five basketball transfers entering the Big 12 in 2024-25
. Sophomore. 468. . JT Toppin. JT Toppin. Transfers. . 3. player
Texas Tech fans don't need to be introduced to New Mexico transfer JT Toppin. After all, his recruitment to the Red Raiders this offseason was one of the most closely monitored courtships of any transfer that Tech has added in the portal era.
Listed at 6-foot-9 but measuring closer to 6-foot-7 at this spring's NBA Draft Combine, the sophomore from Dallas is exactly the type of player the Red Raiders were missing. Able to play the power forward position, Toppin is an athletic and explosive player who plays above the rim.
He's capable of running the floor at an elite level and he finishes well when given the opportunity to show off his vertical leaping ability. He's long and lanky and he will pair with Pitt transfer big man Federiko Federiko to give the Red Raiders an elite defensive frontcourt.
Last season as a true freshman for the Lobos, Toppin put up 12.4 points and an impressive 9.1 rebounds per game. He also blocked 1.9 shots per contest proving that he's truly a two-way impact player.
Texas Tech fans hope that Toppin's career in Lubbock is at least three years in duration. That could happen if the program is willing to pony up in the NIL game. However, if he maxes out his potential in 2024-25, he could be a first-round NBA Draft pick next season.