Texas Tech has three players in ESPN’s top 100 men’s college basketball rankings, according to Jeff Borzello and Myron Medcalf, who introduced their list with the line, "We've never had a top-100 list like this, ever."
The Red Raiders’ presence in the rankings starts with Christian Anderson, who came in at No. 91.
ESPN described him as one of the conference’s best 3-and-D players, with the caveat that eligibility can still shift for several big-name players from week to week. If Anderson remains eligible, the expectation is that he could be more than just an all-Big 12-level piece; ESPN sees him as someone who could push into All-American territory by the end of the season.
That placement might look a little low for a player praised as an elite three-point shooter and a "highly capable" defender. Based on that description alone, it would not be surprising to see him closer to the top 80 than just outside the top 90.
Javion Small is the next Texas Tech player on the list at No. 69.
Like Anderson, he is viewed as a three-point specialist, and there is belief that he could be the player who helped the Red Raiders reach the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament in 2025. Texas Tech fans may not be shocked by his ranking, but his ceiling got attention for a reason.
He had a three-game stretch against Syracuse, Wake Forest, and SMU last season that looked All-American caliber, and he also turned in a strong performance in the NCAA Tournament game against Texas.
At the top of Texas Tech’s group is JT Toppin, ranked No. 21.
The only real question around him is health. ESPN’s view is that injuries are the only thing standing between Toppin and first-team All-American status, and he is projected to be back as a full participant on the hardwood court by the end of December.
He averaged just under 22 points, 11 rebounds, and two assists last season before suffering a torn ACL against Arizona State in mid-February. If Texas Tech is going to make a run to the Final Four in Detroit this season, it will need a healthy Toppin to control games in Big 12 play.
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