Texas Tech landed one of the top available talents in the transfer portal on Tuesday, when former New Mexico forward JT Toppin signed with the Red Raiders. Toppin won Mountain West Rookie of the Year honors for 2023-24 and had also been exploring the NBA Draft process while determining his next steps.
The 6-foot-9 forward should immediately slot in to a prominent role for a Red Raiders program that is coming off a strong first season under coach Grant McCasland. Toppin averaged 12.4 points, 9.1 rebounds and 1.9 blocks for the Lobos and also demonstrated promise as an outside shooter.
With three seasons of eligibility he remaining, he could develop into an an all-conference performer in the revamped Big 12. Or, with a strong sophomore season, Toppin could see his NBA Draft stock rise during the 2024-25 season. He generated plenty of buzz at this year’s NBA Draft Combine, to the point that it wasn’t obvious that he should return to college basketball.
At Texas Tech, Toppin will join a strong transfer class that includes former Minnesota assist guru Elijah Hawkins, ex-Pitt big man Federiko Federiko and former Drake guard Kevin Overton. With Chance McMillian and Darrion Williams returning to the back court as veterans who averaged double figures last season, McCasland has the tools to maintain or build on the momentum generated during a 23-11 (11-7 Big 12) season.
The deadline for players to enter the transfer portal and be eligible next season passed on May 1. But players who entered before the deadline still have ample time to choose their new school ahead of the 2024-25 season. Here’s a rundown of the top 80 transfers of college basketball’s 2024 offseason.
Check out the latest transfer portal updates from 247Sports
1. Johnell Davis
Old school: FAU | New school: Arkansas
Davis played a key role in taking FAU to the 2023 Final Four and built on his breakout season by upping his scoring average to…
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