LUBBOCK, Texas -- The wait for Texas Tech forward JT Toppin to get back on the court after turning down the NBA in the offseason was longer than anticipated. A few days after a lower body injury kept him out of No. 10 Texas Tech's season-opening win against Lindenwood on Monday, it didn't take Toppin long to show he's ready for the 2025-26 season in Friday's 98-77 win against Sam Houston .

Toppin won the opening tip for the Red Raiders and scored his first layup 16 seconds into the game. He quickly blocked a shot, grabbed a rebound and powered through for another layup. Even as Sam Houston ran a few impressive offensive sets to keep the game close for a half, Toppin's gravity wore the Bearkats down.

"I was a little winded, just first game," Toppin said. "But it was exciting to

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