IRVING, Texas — In an exciting announcement on Monday, Texas Tech’s sophomore forward, JT Toppin, was honored with both the player of the year and newcomer of the year titles by Big 12 coaches. This prestigious recognition comes just before the commencement of the league’s postseason tournament featuring 16 teams. Toppin, who transferred from New Mexico, has made a significant impact this season with 14 double-doubles. Notably, he is the only player in the Big 12 currently ranked in the top three for both scoring, with an impressive 18.1 points per game, and rebounding, securing 9.3 rebounds per game. This remarkable achievement marks Toppin as the first player in the storied 29-year history of the Big 12 to win both top player and top newcomer accolades within the same season.
Additionally, Houston’s Kelvin Sampson was celebrated as the Big 12’s coach of the year, chosen by his fellow coaches. Under Sampson’s leadership, the second-ranked Houston Cougars have seen great success, clinching a coveted conference title. The team wrapped up its season with an impressive 27-4 overall record and a 19-1 record within the Big 12. Houston has become the first team in modern history to join a major conference and immediately win back-to-back regular-season titles, a feat not accomplished since Idaho’s success in the Pacific Coast Conference over a century ago.
Among other top performers, Houston’s Joseph Tugler was named defensive player of the year while his teammate LJ Cryer secured the top scholar-athlete award. Moreover, VJ Edgecombe of Baylor emerged as the freshman of the year, whereas Richie Saunders from BYU was recognized as the most improved player of the season. Curtis Jones, hailing from Iowa State and pivotal as the team’s fifth-seeded player, was distinguished as the top sixth man.
Joining the prestigious coaches’ All-Big 12 first team this season are standout players who have made a significant impact on their respective teams. Among them are Cryer, Jones, Saunders, and Toppin, along with Caleb Love from Arizona, Norchad Omier of Baylor, J’Wan Roberts from Houston, Hunter Dickinson of Kansas, Darrion Williams from Texas Tech, and Javon Small of West Virginia.
The Big 12 Tournament is set to ignite competitive fervor starting Tuesday, with four eagerly anticipated opening-round matchups. Basketball enthusiasts can look forward to the crescendo of the competition in the much-anticipated championship game, scheduled for Saturday.
