BREAKING: Texas Tech Star JT Toppin Declares for NBA Draft After Record-Breaking Freshman Season

In a decision that electrified Red Raiders fans and NBA scouts alike, Texas Tech’s sensational forward JT Toppin has officially declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, forgoing his remaining college eligibility after a freshman campaign that will be remembered as one of the most remarkable in school history.

The 6-foot-9 phenom, who arrived in Lubbock with promising upside, rapidly exceeded expectations, emerging not only as Texas Tech’s most dominant player but also as one of the nation’s elite freshmen. Toppin averaged 13.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game while shooting an efficient 55.8% from the field. His blend of size, athleticism, and basketball IQ made him a matchup nightmare in the Big 12 and turned him into a fixture on national highlight reels.

Toppin’s lone season with the Red Raiders was nothing short of spectacular. He became the first freshman in program history to record ten double-doubles in a single season, and his defensive prowess anchored a Texas Tech squad that earned a No. 6 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Though the Red Raiders fell in the second round, Toppin’s individual performances—most notably a 22-point, 14-rebound showcase in the opening round—made it clear he was ready for the professional ranks.

He was named Big 12 Freshman of the Year and earned All-Big 12 Second Team honors—rare achievements for a first-year player. His consistency, poise under pressure, and explosive leaping ability drew comparisons to NBA forwards like Jaren Jackson Jr. and John Collins.

Lubbock will always have a special place in my heart. This season has meant everything to me, and I’m grateful for the support from Raider Nation. After talking with my family and coaches, I’ve decided to declare for the 2025 NBA Draft and take the next step in my journey. I’ll always be a Red Raider.”

Toppin’s announcement was met with an outpouring of support online. Texas Tech head coach Dan Deal released a statement praising his star freshman:

JT has been a tremendous asset to our program. His work ethic, humility, and passion for the game set him apart. While we’ll miss him in Lubbock, we’re thrilled to see him take the next step. The NBA is getting a special player and an even better young man.”

As of late May, Toppin is widely projected as a mid-to-late first-round pick, though his stock has risen steadily. With an impressive pre-draft showing—particularly at the NBA Combine and in team workouts—he could crack the lottery.

What scouts love about Toppin is his versatility. He’s a mobile big who can switch defensively onto guards, block shots at the rim, and finish with power in transition. Though not a prolific outside shooter, he showed flashes of a developing mid-range game and a smooth touch around the rim.

One Western Conference scout told ESPN, Toppin has all the tools. He’s raw in some areas, but his ceiling is massive. If he lands in the right situation with a coaching staff that invests in his growth, he could be a two-way force in the league.”

His older brother, Obi Toppin, currently plays for the Indiana Pacers and was the 8th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. JT’s path to the NBA appears to be similarly bright, though he is carving out his own legacy.

With Toppin officially in the draft pool, Texas Tech now faces the challenge of replacing a foundational piece of its roster. His departure leaves a major void, but the coaching staff has already begun eyeing transfer portal options and incoming freshmen to fill the gap.

This is what we want for our players—to chase their dreams at the highest level. JT has laid a blueprint for others to follow. We’re proud of him, and we’ll be cheering him on every step of the way.”

JT Toppin’s decision marks the end of a brilliant, albeit brief, chapter in Red Raiders history. His presence elevated Texas Tech basketball to national relevance once again, and his impact will be felt for years. As he turns his attention to the NBA, fans in Lubbock will forever remember the 2024–25 season as the year a star was born in the Lone Star State