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Potent pair
Texas Tech could push Houston for the Big 12 title and a Final Four if Christian Anderson provides enough scoring behind JT Toppin. Plus: Kentucky player cleared by NCAA, while Gonzaga waits, Tarleton reinstates Gillispie, a tough break for South Dakota, a pair of 4-star commitments and an Illinois pronunciation guide.
Mike Miller
October 07, 2025
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Good morning! Ready for another couple media day events? The Field of 68’s spotlight today is on the Summit League from 9 am - 4 pm ET. Watch coverage on YouTube or X.com/Twitter.
Also! There’s ACC coverage from 1-4 pm ET.
Today’s Field of 68 Daily is written by Mike Miller. Follow him on X.com/Twitter @mikemillerf68.
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1. Texas Tech’s 1-2 punch makes them a title contender
Houston has owned the Big 12 since it joined two seasons ago. It’s 34-4 in league play with back-to-back regular-season titles and a conference tournament title. It returns three starters from its 2025 Final Four squad and brings in three 5-star freshmen.
Yet, there’s an argument to be made that Texas Tech could be the team to beat.
That’s what happens when you have the reigning Big 12 POY in J.T. Toppin — who’ll push for NPOY this season — plus a top-flight transfer class headed by Washington State wing LeJuan Watts (42.2% from deep), Santa Clara guard Tyeree Bryan (42.9% from 3) and VCU big man Luke Bamgboye, one of the sport’s elite rim protectors.
As Rob Dauster and Terrence Oglesby note in our Offseason Grades, it’s a talented group that should fit nicely around Toppin and accentuate his strengths.
Still, that wouldn’t be enough to derail Houston without an elite floor leader. And the Red Raiders have one in guard Christian Anderson.
The 6-2 sophomore thrived last season, providing instant offense off the bench (10.6 pph, 38% shooting from deep on 187 attempts for a 122.6 ORtg) or playmaking if Elijah Hawkins struggled. When he started the final five Tech games, his production increased and Tech was seconds away from beating Florida in the Elite Eight.
“I’m going to be a player who’s going to contribute to winning,” Anderson said in an exclusive interview with The Field of 68. “I think the ball is going to be in my hands a little bit more, so just being that leader on the floor too. And yeah, I want to lead us to a national championship.”
That’s not just empty boasting, either. Anderson had a spectacular summer with the German U19 team — he led the team to a silver medal while averaging 17.3 ppg, 6.6 apg and 4.9 rpg — and should be ready to pair with Toppin as one of the sport’s elite 1-2 punches for a team with eyes on a national title.
“I think he’s one of the best point guards in the country,” coach Grant McCasland said. “I really do.”
2. NCAA clears Kentucky player, but Gonzaga’s still waiting
October’s all about practicing and preparing for the college hoops season. That preparation’s a lot easier when a program’s entire roster is cleared to play, too.
