Throughout the 2024-25 season, Babcock Hoops will provide comprehensive scouting reports on top 2025 NBA Draft prospects, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, and potential at the next level. Our reports offer an in-depth look at each player's development and draft outlook.
JT Toppin
Position: Forward
College: Texas Tech
Class: Sophomore
Height/Weight: 6'9", 225 lbs
Birthdate: June 14, 2005
Previous College: New Mexico
High School: Faith Family Academy (TX)
Player Overview
JT Toppin is a highly athletic forward with an impressive wingspan (7'2") and defensive potential. His agility and timing make him a natural shot-alterer around the rim, and he has a strong nose for the ball, frequently positioning himself well for rebounds. Offensively, Toppin is a committed roll man, setting solid screens and timing his rolls effectively to create open looks. He finishes strongly on the left side of the rim and demonstrates good coordination in challenging angles. However, his reliance on his left hand and hesitation to finish on the right limit his offensive versatility.
"Toppin’s athleticism and defensive presence are impressive, and his explosiveness and touch with his left hand make him effective around the rim, though somewhat limited offensively. Overall, I’m intrigued and plan to monitor his development closely." — Matt Babcock, NBA Draft Analyst
Strengths
Defensive Length and Timing: Toppin’s 7'2" wingspan allows him to alter shots effectively, using his length to disrupt opponents around the basket.
Rebounding Instincts: He has a strong sense of timing, frequently being in the right place off the rim to secure rebounds.
Roll Man Efficiency: Toppin sets solid screens and rolls to the basket with great pace, consistently creating scoring opportunities in pick-and-roll situations.
Left-Hand Finishing: His ability to finish efficiently on the left side of the rim, even at difficult angles, adds value to his interior scoring game.
Concerns
One-Dimensional Finishing: Toppin lacks strength with his right hand, avoiding finishes on the right side, which limits his versatility around the rim.
Shooting Mechanics: His jump shot lacks fluidity, with multiple motions on the way up, making it inconsistent and less effective as a scoring tool.
Defensive Discipline: While effective at altering shots, Toppin tends to allow post players to establish deep positions and lacks physicality, often swiping down instead of maintaining strong defensive positioning.
Strength Development: To maximize his defensive and rebounding impact, Toppin will need to add strength, especially in dealing with more physical matchups.
Questions
Shooting Development: Can Toppin develop his shooting mechanics to become a more reliable scoring threat from mid-range or beyond?
Improvement in Right-Hand Finishing: Will he become comfortable finishing with his right hand, adding versatility to his offensive game?
Defensive Versatility: Can he refine his defensive approach to prevent deeper post-ups and handle more physical players?
Bottom Line
JT Toppin’s athleticism, wingspan, and natural timing make him a promising defensive prospect with upside as a rim protector and rebounder. To solidify his NBA potential, he will need to become more balanced offensively, develop a reliable shooting form, and improve his right-hand finishing. If he can make strides in these areas, Toppin has the potential to contribute as an athletic, defensive-minded forward at the next level.