Texas Tech University Athletics
Q&A with JT Toppin
June 25, 2024 | Men's Basketball
LUBBOCK – We sat down with JT Toppin for a quick conversation during the fourth week of summer workouts at the Womble Practice Facility. Toppin signed with the Red Raiders on May 28 after earning 2023-24 Mountain West Freshman of the Year and All-Mountain West Second Team honors last season while playing for New Mexico. A Dallas, Texas native, Toppin was a starter in 36 games as a freshman where he averaged 12.4 points, 9.1 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game. He participated in the 2024 NBA Draft Combine before transferring to play at Tech in his sophomore season.
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What do you love about basketball the most?
"I really love putting the ball in the basket and seeing your team's hard work pay off. It's a lot of fun having the support of the fans and all the excitement that comes with the game. It really gets me going every day."
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What's something people don't know about you?
"I really like to travel and try new food. I enjoy seeing new scenery and things I've never seen before. I'm from California originally so anytime I can see the beach is cool."
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Favorite food?
"Mac and Cheese is my favorite. I really like any kind of pasta."
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What's a lesson the game of basketball has taught you?
"I've come a long way with the game and take it a lot more seriously. I was pretty good when I started playing but I can admit I was lazy at first. I've learned you have to work hard every day and keep getting better. The game has shown me that the harder you work the more you can accomplish."
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Top three musicians?
"Future. Drake. Lil Baby."
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Who is your role model in life?
"My mom. I've seen how hard she works every day and the sacrifices she's made for me and our family. She's taught me that everything happens for a reason and to put trust in what you're doing and the ones you care about the most. Success doesn't happen right away for everyone but if you put in the time and commit you can be successful."
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Who's a player you see shades of yourself in?
"Antawn Jamison. He had a soft touch in the paint. Lived in there. I want to play like he did."
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Favorite movie?
"Planet of the Apes. I like the way he carries himself and how the story is told and ends."
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Getaway vacation?
"I'd go to Arizona or Hawaii. I like the vibes in both places and have a lot of friends who live in Arizona. I enjoy the heat."
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What motivates you?
"I want to make it to where my mom and siblings are proud of me and don't have to work like they do now. Taking care of my mom motivates me."
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What do you love about basketball the most?
"I really love putting the ball in the basket and seeing your team's hard work pay off. It's a lot of fun having the support of the fans and all the excitement that comes with the game. It really gets me going every day."
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What's something people don't know about you?
"I really like to travel and try new food. I enjoy seeing new scenery and things I've never seen before. I'm from California originally so anytime I can see the beach is cool."
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Favorite food?
"Mac and Cheese is my favorite. I really like any kind of pasta."
Â
What's a lesson the game of basketball has taught you?
"I've come a long way with the game and take it a lot more seriously. I was pretty good when I started playing but I can admit I was lazy at first. I've learned you have to work hard every day and keep getting better. The game has shown me that the harder you work the more you can accomplish."
Â
Top three musicians?
"Future. Drake. Lil Baby."
Â
Who is your role model in life?
"My mom. I've seen how hard she works every day and the sacrifices she's made for me and our family. She's taught me that everything happens for a reason and to put trust in what you're doing and the ones you care about the most. Success doesn't happen right away for everyone but if you put in the time and commit you can be successful."
Â
Who's a player you see shades of yourself in?
"Antawn Jamison. He had a soft touch in the paint. Lived in there. I want to play like he did."
Â
Favorite movie?
"Planet of the Apes. I like the way he carries himself and how the story is told and ends."
Â
Getaway vacation?
"I'd go to Arizona or Hawaii. I like the vibes in both places and have a lot of friends who live in Arizona. I enjoy the heat."
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What motivates you?
"I want to make it to where my mom and siblings are proud of me and don't have to work like they do now. Taking care of my mom motivates me."
Caught up with @j1izzle during the fourth week of summer workouts. #TTW
— Texas Tech Basketball (@TexasTechMBB) June 25, 2024
??: https://t.co/puWXhs0mdQ pic.twitter.com/t1WfCUwrcO
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