Decision day

Tonight’s the night we’ll get some further clarity on rosters for the 2024-25 season. Players have until 11:59 pm to stay in the NBA Draft or return to college.

Can’t wait for all the updated Way Too Early Top 25s.

1. Texas Tech is Toppin Tuesday’s big news

Of course, some programs already got good news when it comes to NBA Draft decisions. Like Texas Tech.

Freshman JT Toppin, fresh off a fabulous season at New Mexico, withdrew from the NBA Draft and announced he’s headed to Texas Tech for his sophomore season. The Red Raiders are going to love him.

There’s an argument that Toppin was the nation’s top freshman. The Mountain West Freshman of the Year was quite productive (12.4 ppg, 9.1 rpg, 1.9 bpg), but that’s just for starters. His player contribution score edged out Reed Sheppard, while advanced metrics show a player who could deliver monster numbers.

Toppin, a 6-9 forward, started 34 games in a role that largely supported the Lobos’ backcourt of Jaelen House, Donovan Dent and Jamal Mashburn — an understandable decision given the guards’ experience and talent. But Toppin should thrive in the Big 12 thanks to his athleticism, defensive ability and non-stop motor.

How Toppin’s used will be interesting.

He wasn’t a perimeter threat as a freshman, but excels in the open court and around the basket. Toppin should thrive catching lobs from Minnesota transfer Elijah Hawkins, or grabbing misses from returning starters Chance McMillan or Darrion Williams. Playing Toppin alongside Pitt transfer Federiko Federiko doesn’t seem optimal from an offensive standpoint, but on defense? Sheesh.

Toppin’s addition doesn’t quite elevate Texas Tech into the upper echelon of the Big 12 alongside Kansas, Houston, Baylor and Iowa State, but it’ll be a tough team and certainly capable of finishing in the Top 5.

Other notable transfer moves:

• BYU got Real Madrid guard Egor Demin, a projected 2025 NBA Draft lottery pick.

• Vanderbilt picked up USC sophomore forward Kijani Wright (3.9 ppg, 2.6 rpg)

• Illinois added Lithuanian point guard Kasparas Jakucionis, a projected 2025 first-round pick.

• Saint Bonaventure grabbed Wagner junior guard Melvin Council Jr. (14.9 ppg, 5.7 rpg)

• Green Bay picked up Oklahoma State freshman forward Isaiah Miranda (2.7 ppg, 2.3 rpg).

2. Villanova’s sigh of relief + more draft decisions

Meanwhile, Villanova’s starting to breathe a little easier about next season.

A week ago, the Wildcats had eight scholarships players on their roster, and just one player returning from this season’s squad. The last two days changed that.

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