Texas Tech Star Forward JT Toppin Accepts Big 12 Player of the Year Award After Oscar Victory
LUBBOCK, TX — Texas Tech’s standout forward, JT Toppin, was honored as the Big 12 Player of the Year, a recognition that caps off an extraordinary season. Following his team’s stunning victory over longtime rival Kansas, Toppin addressed a packed arena to accept the prestigious award.
The moment was bittersweet for the Red Raiders as they celebrated Toppin’s individual achievement after securing their first Big 12 title in over a decade. Toppin has been a powerhouse for the team all season, playing an integral role in Texas Tech’s rise to the top of the conference.
“Winning this award means everything,” Toppin said, his voice choked with emotion. “But I wouldn’t be standing here without my teammates, my coaches, and the support from our amazing fans. We’ve worked hard, and this is just the beginning.”
Toppin’s selection as Player of the Year comes after a dominant season where he averaged 20.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. His performance in key moments, including a 30-point outing against Baylor that propelled his team to victory, made him a clear favorite for the award. He also shined defensively, proving to be one of the most versatile players in the league.
The award marks a significant milestone in Toppin’s career, which has seen him transform from a highly touted freshman into one of the nation’s elite players. Texas Tech head coach Mark Adams praised Toppin’s dedication and leadership both on and off the court.
“JT has been the heart and soul of this team,” Adams said. “His hard work, humility, and drive to get better every day have made him not only a Big 12 Player of the Year but a future star in the NCAA.”
Toppin’s win also follows a dominant performance in the conference tournament, where Texas Tech edged out the competition, with Toppin leading the charge. With the regular season wrapped up, the Red Raiders are now eyeing the NCAA Tournament, where they hope to make a deep run and challenge for a national championship.
As the accolades pile up for Toppin, the focus now shifts to the team’s next goal: securing the program’s first-ever national title. Toppin remains grounded, focused on the team’s collective success rather than individual glory.
“We’ve got bigger things ahead,” Toppin said. “This is just the first step. We’ve got a lot more to do.”
Texas Tech’s fans and supporters are buzzing with excitement as they prepare for what could be a historic postseason run. With JT Toppin leading the way, the Red Raiders are poised to leave their mark on college basketball in
the coming weeks.