LUBBOCK, Texas — Texas Tech coach Grant McCasland does not expect JT Toppin back within two weeks, saying Big 12 play is the most realistic target for the star forward.
McCasland spoke on The Field of 68’s Goodman & Friends in an interview posted Nov. 13.
“I do not think we’re two weeks away. We’re like probably six weeks away or something,” McCasland said.
Toppin looks normal in individual workouts but has done nothing live, McCasland said.
“There are measurements associated with his being a hundred percent that are scientific, that are training room, leg circumference, strength, change of force, and I will tell you, he has not met those,” McCasland said.
He said Toppin will not practice until he meets those thresholds and shows how he recovers from hard workouts, because the priority is avoiding setbacks.
“I think conference time is probably the most realistic,” McCasland said.
Toppin Missed Last Season’s Stretch Run
Toppin, a two-time Consensus All-America Second Team selection, averaged 21.8 points and 10.8 rebounds last season before a season-ending injury at Arizona State on Feb. 17 forced him to miss the final five regular-season games and the postseason, according to Texas Tech.
No. 16 Texas Tech is 4-0 after Saturday’s 88-37 win over Stonehill, when Jamichael Stillwell had 13 points and 12 rebounds. The Red Raiders host New Orleans on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. CT before opening Players Era play against Louisville on Nov. 24.
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