TEXAS TECH’S JT TOPPIN RECIPIENT OF 2025 RILEY WALLACE AWARD
The most impactful transfer in division I college basketball

SAN ANTONIO, TX -- Texas Tech’s JT Toppin recipient of 2025 Riley Wallace award, which is presented annually to the most impactful transfer in division I college basketball.

The 6-foot-9 sophomore transfer from New Mexico averaged 18.2 points and 9.4 rebounds per game while shooting 55.4% from the field. He recorded 19 double-doubles this season, including all four games Texas Tech played in the NCAA Tournament.

Toppin scored 25 or more eight times, including a career-high 41 points and added 15 rebounds in a double-overtime win over Arizona State on Feb. 12. He pulled down 15 or more rebounds four times, including a career-best 18 against Saint Joseph's on Nov. 21.

“From a very good player at New Mexico to the Player of the Year in the Big 12. That’s making an impact,” said Angela Lento, Vice President of CollegeInsider.com. “JT Toppin helped turn Texas Tech into one of the top teams in America. In a season where there were a lot of impactful transfers, JT Toppin stood out as the best newcomer in college basketball.”

Toppin earned Big 12 Player of the Year, Big 12 Newcomer of the Year, All-Big 12 First Team and All-Big 12 Newcomer Team. He has also been honored with The Sporting News All-America Second Team honors already in the postseason. Toppin led Tech with 26 points and 10 rebounds in its Big 12 Championship quarterfinal win over Baylor to extend a streak of three straight double-doubles with 25-points or more.
The award is named in honor of the longtime Hawaii coach. During his coaching career at Hawaii, Riley Wallace welcomed many transfers into the program and became the winningest coach in program history. Wallace guided Hawaii to nine postseason appearances, including a school-record streak of four straight from 2001-04.

The Warriors appeared in the NCAA Tournament three times under Wallace and have been invited to the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) on six occasions. Prior to his arrival, the program had just one NCAA appearance and two trips to the NIT.

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