LUBBOCK, Texas -- On the eve of their season opener, Texas Tech's JT Toppin was named to the Naismith Player of the Year award watch list.

The standout junior forward is entering his second season for the Red Raiders since transferring from New Mexico. Last season, he averaged 18.2 points, 9.4 rebounds and 1.5 blocks while wearing the scarlet and black. Throughout his career, Toppin has notched over 1000 points, nearly 650 rebounds and surpassed 100 blocks in 69 games.

In addition to the Naismith award, Toppin has piled up several more awards throughout the preseason. These include being named the Big 12 Preseason Player of the Year, earning a spot on the Preseason All-Big 12 Team and an AP Preseason All-America nod.

Toppin and the rest of the Red Raiders will be on full display during

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