Texas Tech's Basketball Team is Poised for Greatness, and JT Toppin is Leading the Charge
As of October 16, 2025, all eyes are on Texas Tech, but not just for their undefeated football team. The men’s basketball program is generating buzz of its own, with forward JT Toppin emerging as a cornerstone of what could be a historic season. In a recent Big 12 preseason media poll, Texas Tech was projected to finish third in the conference, a testament to the team's growing reputation. But the real headline? JT Toppin, a Dallas native, was unanimously voted the Big 12 Preseason Player of the Year, marking only the second time a Texas Tech player has received this honor since 2003-04. And this is the part most people miss: Toppin isn't just a rising star; he's already proven his mettle, having been named both the Big 12 Player and Newcomer of the Year last season after averaging an impressive 18.2 points and 9.4 rebounds per game.
But here's where it gets controversial: Can Toppin and the Red Raiders live up to the hype? Last season, they made a remarkable run to the Elite Eight, only to fall to the eventual national champion, Florida. With Toppin at the helm and the addition of LeJuan Watts, a Washington State transfer who averaged 13.7 points and 6.7 rebounds last season, the team seems poised for another deep tournament run. Watts, by the way, was also named the Big 12 Preseason Newcomer of the Year, making Texas Tech the only school with two major preseason accolades.
The Red Raiders garnered 200 points in the poll, trailing only Houston (224) and BYU (204). The Preseason All-Big 12 Team features a mix of talent, including unanimous selections like AJ Dybantsa (BYU) and Darryn Peterson (Kansas), who was named Preseason Freshman of the Year. But the question remains: Is the Big 12 underestimating Texas Tech, or are they the dark horse ready to upset the favorites?
What’s your take? Do you think JT Toppin can lead Texas Tech to a championship, or will the competition prove too fierce? Let us know in the comments below!
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