Fri Mar 14 03:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Texas Tech’s Toppin Sweeps Big 12 Player of the Year Awards
**IRVING, Texas** – Texas Tech sophomore forward JT Toppin made history Monday, becoming the first player in Big 12 Conference history to win both Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year awards in the same season. The announcement, made a day before the start of the Big 12 Tournament, capped off a remarkable season for the transfer from New Mexico.
Toppin, who leads the conference in double-doubles with 14, averages an impressive 18.1 points and 9.3 rebounds per game – ranking him in the top three in both categories. His dominance earned him the unanimous respect of Big 12 coaches.
Houston’s Kelvin Sampson was recognized for his coaching prowess, winning Coach of the Year after leading the Cougars to their second consecutive Big 12 regular season title. This achievement marks an unprecedented feat, making Houston the first program to win back-to-back regular season titles after joining a major conference since Idaho in 1921-23.
Other award winners included Houston’s Joseph Tugler (Defensive Player of the Year), LJ Cryer (Scholar-Athlete of the Year), Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe (Freshman of the Year), BYU’s Richie Saunders (Most Improved Player), and Iowa State’s Curtis Jones (Sixth Man of the Year). A star-studded first team, featuring players from across the conference, was also announced. The Big 12 Tournament tips off Tuesday.
First Piper 