Texas Tech’s JT Toppin: A Game-Changer with a Heart for Rebounding

LUBBOCK, Texas — JT Toppin, the 19-year-old standout for Texas Tech, is making headlines as a key player in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. The Big 12 Player of the Year has drawn attention not just for his skills on the court but also for his admiration of Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman, highlighting his unique approach to the game.

Toppin, who leads his team into a critical matchup against a 10-seed on Thursday, has an appreciation for rebounding that sets him apart from his peers. His past high school experiences in Dallas mirror Rodman’s, both in their love for the lost art of rebounding and in their shared energy on the court. “JT would rather have 20 rebounds than 20 points any day of the week,” said Ramon Sessions, Toppin’s agent. “You’ll see JT on a regular basis with a Dennis Rodman shirt. He watches film on Dennis Rodman. Like, it’s crazy.”

In two NCAA Tournament games, Toppin has been pivotal, averaging a double-double. In Texas Tech’s second-round victory over an 11-seed, he scored 25 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, demonstrating his ability to impact the game in multiple ways. His performance is one of the major reasons Texas Tech is still alive in the tournament.

Before joining Texas Tech, Toppin was recognized as the Mountain West Freshman of the Year after a year with New Mexico. His decision to enter the transfer portal came after a season that drew considerable attention, including an invitation to the NBA combine. “Value-wise, he was the hottest one on the market,” Sessions said. “People can speculate what that looks like, but he was the hottest name on the market.”

Toppin’s path to Texas Tech was influenced by the school’s active cultivation of a relationship with his high school coach, Brandon Thomas. “Texas wanted Toppin, and it’s easy to imagine the Longhorns faring much better than a First Four exit,” sources noted. However, as the season progressed, Texas found itself struggling to retain a strong roster amidst rising NIL demands, which ultimately led to the dismissal of Coach Rodney Terry.

In this emerging era of college athletics, NIL (name, image, likeness) deals are shaping the landscape significantly. There are reports suggesting an asking price in the seven-figure range for Toppin, which proved too steep for some programs, including Texas. Sessions indicated that offers were much higher from other institutions. “There was way more money thrown on the table for him. Way more,” he said. “But what does that do when you’re sitting home in March?”

Ultimately, Texas Tech secured Toppin thanks to the efforts of General Manager Kellen Buffington, who fostered trust and provided a nurturing environment for Toppin’s growth. “He wanted the freedom to grow as a basketball player,” said Buffington. “That belief paid off for everyone on a terrific season that isn’t over yet.”

With Texas Tech’s trajectory pointing towards a potential Final Four appearance, Toppin’s contributions on the court continue to make a significant impact. As Sessions concluded, “You put JT with Texas, you put JT with Kansas State, you put JT with whoever, JT is gonna come out on top and he’s gonna impact winning.”