Key Players to Watch in Texas Tech's Big 12 Opener

Chance McMillian:

• Shooting Leader: Ranks second nationally and first in the Big 12 with 53.4% from 3-point range.
• Recent Form: Averaging 18.6 PPG over the last five games, with seven 20+ point games in his career.
• Career Overview: Scored 1,207 points across 135 games, shooting 41.5% on 3-pointers (15th among active NCAA players).

JT Toppin:

• Injury Update: Missed four games with a lower-body injury, listed day-to-day.
• Performance When Active: Averaging 18.6 PPG, 11.0 RPG, and 1.9 BPG; would lead the Big 12 in rebounding if eligible.
• Career Highlights: Notable for his double-doubles, including a career-best 18 rebounds vs. Saint Joseph's.

Elijah Hawkins:

• Assist Leader: Ranks third among active NCAA players with 6.31 APG in his career.
• 2023-24 Season: Averaging 6.9 PPG, 5.4 APG, and 2.0 SPG in his first season with Tech.
• Career Stats: 1,139 points, 637 assists, and 187 steals through 101 games.

Texas Tech will follow its conference opener with a pair of road games to begin the 2025 calendar year, first against Utah on January 4 in Salt Lake City and then at BYU on January 7 in Provo before returning to Lubbock to host No. 3 Iowa State at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 11.