The 2024–25 Big 12 Conference men’s basketball season was characterized by outstanding individual performances, strategic coaching, and significant team achievements
The recognition of players and coaches through various awards highlighted the depth of talent and competition within the conference, setting a high standard for future seasons.
At the end of the day, both JT Toppin and Javon Small had incredible seasons. Toppin’s combination of scoring, rebounding, and winning impact made him the Big 12 coaches’ choice.
Small’s individual brilliance kept West Virginia competitive, but his team’s struggles likely hurt his case.
While fans may continue debating, one thing is clear—Toppin is now part of an elite group of Big 12 Player of the Year winners, and this recognition could be a stepping stone to an even bigger career ahead.
Now, all eyes turn to the Big 12 Tournament, where both Toppin and Small will have a chance to prove their greatness on the court.
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Texas Tech’s JT Toppin Named Big 12 Player of the Year
A Controversial Decision
Texas Tech sophomore forward JT Toppin has been named the Big 12 Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year by the conference’s coaches.1
The announcement, made just a day before the league’s 16-team postseason tournament begins, has sparked heated debates among college basketball fans.
While many celebrated Toppin’s achievement, others felt that West Virginia’s Javon Small was snubbed for the Player of the Year award.
Fans from both sides have taken to social media to express their opinions, highlighting the subjectivity of such honors in college basketball.
Could Small Use This as Motivation?
While Small may feel snubbed, this could serve as fuel for his future career. Many players who have been overlooked for awards have gone on to succeed at the next level.
Examples of Players Who Used a Snub as Motivation
- Damian Lillard (Overlooked in college, became an NBA superstar).
- Draymond Green (Second-round pick, now a multi-time NBA champion).
- Ja Morant (Underrated in high school, became an NBA All-Star).
If Small returns to college basketball next season, he could use this as extra motivation to prove he is the best player in the Big 12.
JT Toppin’s Journey to Big 12 Stardom
Toppin, a sophomore transfer from New Mexico, has made an immediate impact at Texas Tech.2
His combination of scoring and rebounding has set him apart as one of the most dominant players in the Big 12.
Key Stats from Toppin’s Season
- 18.1 points per game
- 9.3 rebounds per game
- 14 double-doubles (most in the conference)
Toppin is the only player in the Big 12 ranked in the top three in both scoring and rebounding, a testament to his all-around excellence.
His ability to control the paint on both ends of the floor played a significant role in Texas Tech’s success this season.
Why Some Fans Believe Javon Small Was Snubbed
While Toppin’s numbers are impressive, West Virginia’s Javon Small also had an outstanding season.
- 18.5 points per game (higher than Toppin)
- 5.6 assists per game
- 4.5 rebounds per game
Some fans argue that Small’s role in carrying a struggling West Virginia team should have earned him the award. One fan stated:
“If you put JT Toppin on WVU (with no Small), the team probably goes 5-15 in conference. Put Javon Small on Texas Tech and they’re a Final Four team… at worst.”
Another fan was more direct:
“This is Javon Small’s award, and you know it.”
These comments reflect a common perspective in college basketball—awards often go to the best player on a winning team, rather than the most valuable player to their squad.
JT Toppin: Support for his Selection
While some fans were upset, many others believe that the conference made the right decision by selecting Toppin as the Big 12 Player of the Year.3
A Houston fan defended the choice:
“As a Houston fan, I think the conference got this right. Toppin is a beast!”
Another fan dismissed the controversy by emphasizing Toppin’s overall impact:
“Bunch of non-ball knowers in here. Scoring the most points doesn’t equal Player of the Year.”
The argument here is that Toppin’s two-way impact—scoring, rebounding, and defensive presence—made him the most valuable player in the Big 12, not just a high-scoring guard like Small.
How the Big 12 Player of the Year is Decided
The Big 12 Player of the Year award is voted on by the conference’s coaches, who assess players based on overall contributions, team success, and statistical performance.
Here are some of the key criteria typically considered:
- Individual Performance – Scoring, rebounding, assists, and overall efficiency.
- Impact on Team Success – How much a player contributes to wins.
- Consistency – Maintaining a high level of play throughout the season.
- Defense and Intangibles – How well a player performs outside of scoring (e.g., defense, leadership).
Toppin excelled in all these categories, making him a strong choice for the award.
Comparing Toppin and Small: Who Was Truly Better?
Let’s break down the numbers and impact of both players to see how they compare.
Impact on Their Teams
- JT Toppin played a major role in Texas Tech’s strong season, helping them compete at the top of the Big 12.
- Javon Small was West Virginia’s main offensive weapon, but his team finished lower in the standings.
While Small had more assists and slightly more points per game, Toppin’s rebounding dominance and efficiency likely gave him the edge in the eyes of voters.
Winning Big 12 Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year significantly boosts Toppin’s NBA draft stock.
Toppin will now have the opportunity to showcase his skills in the Big 12 Tournament and potentially the NCAA Tournament, which could further solidify his NBA potential.
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JT Toppin: Big 12 Player and Newcomer of the Year
Texas Tech’s JT Toppin received dual honors as both the Big 12 Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year.
Toppin’s dynamic play and consistent performances were instrumental in Texas Tech’s competitive presence throughout the season.
Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe was recognized as the Big 12 Freshman of the Year. Edgecombe’s immediate impact on the court showcased his readiness for collegiate competition and his potential for future seasons.
Houston’s forward Joseph Tugler earned the title of Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. Tugler’s defensive prowess was a cornerstone of the Cougars’ strategy, contributing significantly to their impressive record.
LJ Cryer, also from Houston, was honored as the Big 12 Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Balancing academic excellence with athletic commitment, Cryer exemplified the ideal student-athlete.
BYU’s Richie Saunders was named the Most Improved Player, reflecting his significant development and increased contributions to his team’s success over the season.
Iowa State’s Curtis Jones received the Sixth Man of the Year award, acknowledging his valuable role in providing depth and versatility off the bench.
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Hunter Dickinson: Preseason Accolades and Season Highlights
Kansas’ Hunter Dickinson entered the season with high expectations, being named the Big 12 Preseason Player of the Year and earning a spot on the Associated Press preseason All-American team.
Throughout the season, Dickinson delivered standout performances, including a 20-point, 10-rebound game against North Carolina and a 28-point, 12-rebound showing against Michigan State.
He concluded the regular season with first-team All-Big 12 honors, ranking fourth in the conference in scoring (17.4 points per game) and second in rebounding (9.9 rebounds per game).
Preseason Predictions and Rankings
The preseason coaches’ poll had Kansas as the favorite, followed by Houston, Iowa State, Baylor, and Arizona. These predictions set the stage for a competitive season, with teams striving to meet or exceed expectations.
Several Big 12 players were featured in midseason watchlists for national awards. Notably, VJ Edgecombe and Caleb Love were finalists for the Oscar Robertson Award, underscoring their significant impact on the court.
The season also saw notable coaching movements. Quannas White, after eight years with the University of Houston’s coaching staff, was appointed as the head coach at Louisiana. His departure marked a significant transition, reflecting the dynamic nature of coaching careers in collegiate basketball.
JT Toppin: Impact of Canadian Freshmen
- The influence of international talent was evident, with Canadian freshmen making significant impacts in the NCAA women’s basketball scene.
- Syla Swords (Michigan), Toby Fournier (Duke), and Delaney Gibb (BYU) received major conference awards, highlighting the growing globalization of basketball talent.
- The 2024–25 Big 12 Conference men’s basketball season was marked by exceptional performances, strategic coaching, and remarkable individual achievements.
- The season concluded with the announcement of various awards, highlighting the contributions of players and coaches who elevated the competition within the conference.
- Kelvin Sampson, the head coach of the University of Houston Cougars, was honored as the Big 12 Coach of the Year.
- Under his leadership, the Cougars achieved a stellar 27-4 overall record and a 19-1 mark in conference play, securing back-to-back regular-season titles in their first two years since joining the Big 12.
- This achievement marked the first time a team accomplished consecutive regular-season titles in a major conference since Idaho’s Pacific Coast Conference titles in the early 1920s.
West Virginia’s Athletic Achievements
West Virginia University celebrated multiple athletic successes. The men’s basketball team secured a crucial Quad 1 win against Utah, while the baseball team clinched a series against Kennesaw State.
Additionally, wrestlers Jett Strickenberger and Peyton Hall claimed Big 12 titles, showcasing the university’s diverse athletic excellence.
The women’s basketball landscape experienced shifts, with UCLA reclaiming the No. 1 spot in the Associated Press Top 25 Poll.
South Carolina’s dominant performance in the SEC Tournament, particularly their victory over Texas, positioned them as strong contenders for the national championship, despite their No. 2 ranking.
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