True freshman JT Toppin from Dallas, Texas has been one of New Mexico's best players this season.
A two-way forward that has starred for the Lobos of the Mountain West Conference, showing out last night in a game against the Division-I runner ups last year in San Diego State.
Despite the loss, Toppin showed off his post game, scoring 18 points and snagging 10 boards in the effort against a team with talented defensive bigs. SDSU is a defensive team, and so the fact that Toppin was allowed so much success is an indicator of the kind of player he is from a standpoint of competitive mindset.
Toppin is No. 12 in the nation in field goal percentage, which makes sense the first time you watch him. He has a high shot IQ, something he demonstrated against a well-coached defensive team in SDSU by going 7-for-10 from the field. He rebounds well, which helps him get in position to sore more easily.
Aiding his rebounding skills are some real athleticism and length. He stands about 6-foot-9, which while not elite for his position, is still good enough when combined with his other physical attributes.
Averaging 12.7 points, 8.8 rebounds and 62.7% FG on the season this year, Toppin has been an important cog for a good Lobos team that still sports a record of 20-6 on the season after last night's loss.
Though the shooting doesn't appear to be a strength outside of a few feet from the basket, evidence backed by his struggles at the free-throw and three-point lines (30.8% on one attempt per game), his play style isn't reliant on his floor spacing. He's a rim-finishing big when it comes down to it, something he was able to show against the Aztecs on Feb. 16.
Overall, Toppin has second-round pick stock right now, as he doesn't have an entirely versatile game and is somewhat limited to performing post tasks. Should his shot improve, so too will his draft stock.
But as it stands right now, he lacks the versatility of a first-round forward.
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