The NCAA Tournament is upon us, and Texas Tech will have its sights set on making a deep run this month. But the Red Raiders will have to make do without star player JT Toppin, who is facing a long spell on the sidelines. One of the most exciting young prospects in the country, Toppin will be a big miss for Texas Tech during March Madness.
How JT Toppin’s Injury Impacts Texas Tech in March Madness
Toppin is, without a doubt, one of the best NBA prospects, and he would certainly have been eager to showcase his talent on the biggest stage in college basketball. But the Texas Tech junior suffered a heartbreaking ACL tear on Feb. 17, putting an end to his season and his hopes of competing in the NCAA Tournament this year.
Before suffering his injury, Toppin was averaging a double-double with 21.8 points per game on 54.8% shooting from the field. The forward also averaged 10.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game this season.
For his exemplary performances, Toppin was named to the AP All-America First Team and the All-Big 12 First Team this season.
In the six games since Toppin suffered his ACL tear, Texas Tech has recorded three wins and three losses. Most recently, the Red Raiders fell 75-53 to Iowa State in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 Tournament.
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The Red Raiders have struggled with their offensive production and defensive resolve, and Toppin’s absence has certainly been felt on both sides of the court.
Seeded fifth in the Midwest Region for the NCAA Tournament, Texas Tech will face No. 12 seed Akron in its opener on Friday (tip-off at 12:40 p.m. ET, live broadcast on TruTV). Should Texas Tech manage to avoid an upset and win its March Madness opener against the Zips, it will have a second-round matchup against No. 4 Alabama or No. 13 Hofstra.
Christian Anderson’s Role for Texas Tech Without JT Toppin
Texas Tech does have a strong roster to cope with Toppin’s absence, led by Christian Anderson. The guard was himself in doubt for the NCAA Tournament after suffering an injury scare due to a slip on the controversial LED glass court during the Big 12 Tournament.
But he appears to have overcome his groin injury and will suit up for Texas Tech during the NCAA Tournament.
Anderson is averaging 18.9 points and 7.6 assists per game this year while shooting 48.1% from the field. He will have a crucial role to play if Texas Tech is to enjoy a strong run in the NCAA Tournament this year.
