Texas Tech sophomore forward JT Toppin has been selected by Big 12 coaches as the league’s player and newcomer of the year. The awards were announced Monday.

JT Toppin, a 6-foot-9 forward, is rapidly growing into a well-known figure in college basketball for his on-court prowess and his high NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) value. His growth from a standout freshman at the University of New Mexico to a significant player at Texas Tech demonstrates his growing athletic and financial prominence.

The panel voted Texas Tech's impact transfer, J.T. Toppin, as the Big 12 Player and Newcomer of the Year. Houston's Kelvin Sampson and Texas Tech's Grant McCasland shared the honor of Big 12 Coach of the Year.