Texas Longhorns Eyeing JT Toppin to Bolster Frontcourt
In the midst of a busy offseason, the Texas Longhorns men’s basketball team is leaving no stone unturned in their quest to fortify their roster. With the departure of Dylan Disu leaving a void in the frontcourt, the Longhorns are actively scouring the transfer portal for talent, and one name that has emerged as a potential solution is JT Toppin.
Toppin, a Dallas native, made waves during his freshman year at New Mexico, showcasing his versatility and skillset on the court. In 36 games, including 35 starts, he averaged an impressive 12.4 points, 9.1 rebounds, 1.9 blocks, and 1.1 steals per game. His standout performance played a significant role in New Mexico’s success in a competitive Mountain West conference, which saw six teams, including the Lobos, earn spots in the NCAA Tournament.
Despite Toppin’s contributions, New Mexico’s tournament journey was cut short in the first round by Clemson. However, Toppin’s potential as a budding star did not go unnoticed, prompting him to declare for the 2024 NBA Draft and earn an invitation to the Draft Combine.
While Toppin explores his NBA prospects, several collegiate programs, including Texas, Texas Tech, Kansas State, and Alabama, have expressed interest in acquiring his services. With his hometown Longhorns in the mix, the competition for Toppin’s commitment is heating up.
For Texas, landing Toppin would be a significant coup, providing head coach Rodney Terry with a highly coveted frontcourt talent to complement the team’s already deep and skilled backcourt. As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on Toppin as he navigates his options and decides on his basketball future.
