A few weeks ago, while preparing to be the sideline reporter on an Arizona State-Texas Tech game, I was asked by a producer whom I believed should be the Big 12 Player of the Year. I had to think for a second.

Texas Tech sophomore JT Toppin has been selected as one of five Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame finalists for the 2025 Karl Malone Award. The Dallas-native ranks third in the Big 12 in scoring, rebounding and shooting 56 percent from the field for Texas Tech this season.

JT Toppin had 30 points and 14 rebounds as ninth-ranked Texas Tech led throughout in a 91-75 win over Colorado.