Grant McCasland, the head coach of Texas Tech basketball, aims to capitalize on the success of the team’s strong 2023 season. Securing high-caliber talent to join the team in Lubbock becomes crucial, and they’ve recently made a significant acquisition in this regard.
According to TTU Athletics, JT Toppin, a former forward from New Mexico, will be joining the Red Raiders for the 2024 season.
Toppin’s addition is anticipated to be a significant boost for McCasland and the team. Standing at 6-foot-9 with a wingspan exceeding seven feet, Toppin brings impressive physical attributes to the table. During his freshman year at New Mexico, he posted impressive stats, averaging 12.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game. He led the Mountain West conference in various categories including total rebounds, blocks, offensive rebounds, and shooting percentage.
Toppin is viewed as a player who could have pursued a career in the NBA this season but has opted to refine his skills and enhance his draft prospects for the 2025 NBA Draft while playing for Texas Tech.
Meanwhile, Texas Tech’s roster remains formidable. Returning players include senior guards Chance McMillian and Kerwin Walton, senior forward Devin Cambridge, junior guard Darrion Williams, and sophomore forward Eemeli Yalaho from last season’s successful 23-11 team.
With Toppin’s addition, the Red Raiders have now brought in four transfer players, including guard Kevin Overton from Drake, guard Elijah Hawkins from Minnesota, and center Federiko Federiko from Pitt.
The team’s depth is further bolstered by incoming freshmen, including three-star forward Leon Horner and four-star point guard Christian Anderson. With these additions, Texas Tech appears to be solidifying their position as a competitive force in collegiate basketball.
