JT Toppin's stellar play fuels Texas Tech's ascent, with the star forward's dual-threat dominance propelling the Red Raiders toward a Big 12 title.
Texas Tech basketball continues to surge at the perfect time, and once again, JT Toppin is right at the center of it.
The junior forward earned Big 12 Player of the Week honors after another jaw-dropping stretch that reinforced why the Red Raiders are firmly entrenched in the conference title conversation.
Toppin delivered elite production across two high-profile wins, averaging 26.5 points and 8.0 rebounds while setting the tone on both ends of the floor.
His signature performance came under the national spotlight in Lubbock, where ESPN College GameDay arrived and Toppin made sure the moment belonged to Texas Tech.
Against No. 6 Houston, he poured in 31 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, powering a thrilling 90-86 win that instantly became one of the Big 12’s defining games of the season.
That performance marked Toppin’s fifth 30-point, 10-rebound outing of the year - the most in the nation - and further separated him from his peers.
He followed it up with a composed 22-point effort on the road at Baylor, including 13 points after halftime, as the Red Raiders secured another statement victory.
What makes Toppin’s season even more impressive is the consistency. He remains the only player in the country averaging a double-double, a rarity at this level and a testament to both his skill set and endurance.
This latest honor is his third Big 12 Player of the Week award in the past month, signaling that his dominance isn’t a one-off - it’s becoming the standard.
Beyond the box score, Toppin’s impact is reshaping how opponents game-plan for Texas Tech.
His ability to score from multiple spots on the floor, finish through contact, and control the glass has allowed the Red Raiders to dictate tempo against elite competition.
Defenses are forced to collapse on him, opening space for shooters and cutters, which has elevated Tech’s offensive efficiency during this winning stretch.
While BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa made headlines with a massive scoring night of his own, the takeaway for Texas Tech fans is clear ... the Red Raiders have the most reliable superstar in the league.
With conference play tightening and postseason seeding already taking shape, having a proven closer like Toppin gives Tech a ceiling few Big 12 teams can match.
If this stretch is any indication, JT Toppin isn’t just chasing awards ... he’s positioning Texas Tech as a legitimate threat to cut down nets in March.