Texas Tech lands MWC Freshman of the Year JT Toppin

Field Level Media|published: Tue 28th May, 18:47 2024

Mar 22, 2024; Memphis, TN, USA; New Mexico Lobos forward JT Toppin (15) shoots against the Clemson Tigers during the first half of the NCAA Tournament First Round at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

Former New Mexico forward JT Toppin, the Mountain West Conference Freshman of the Year, has transferred to Texas Tech, the school announced Tuesday.

"I can't wait to show Red Raider Nation the energy and hard work I bring to every game," Toppin, who is from Dallas, said in a statement. "I look forward to getting to Lubbock and helping the team win."

Toppin had entered the NBA draft and participated in the combine earlier this month but will withdraw and attend school in his home state.

He was an All-MWC second-team selection as well as earning all-conference tournament honors as New Mexico won the tournament.

The 6-foot-9 Toppin averaged 12.4 points and led the Mountain West in averaging 9.1 rebounds, 3.7 offensive rebounds and 1.9 blocks in 36 games (35 starts). He shot 62.3 percent on field-goal attempts, not only leading the league but ranking 13th in the nation last season and among the top 20 all-time for freshmen in NCAA Division I history.

Toppin was selected nine times as the MWC Freshman of the Week and was a finalist for the Kyle Macy National Freshman of the Year award.

Second-year Texas Tech coach Grant McCasland has added Toppin to transfer signees Elijah Hawkins (Minnesota), Kevin Overton (Drake) and Federiko Federiko (Pitt) as well as high school signees Christian Anderson and Leon Horner III.

--Field Level Media

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