JT Toppin Declines NBA Draft for Enormous NIL Agreement with Texas Tech
Surprisingly, Texas Tech basketball standout JT Toppin has declared his intention to come back for another year of college, choosing not to enter the 2025 NBA Draft. This decision, which shocked many, is heavily influenced by a lucrative NIL deal worth approximately $4 million. Toppin’s return to the Red Raiders is one of the clearest examples yet of how NIL money is changing the landscape of NCAA basketball and influencing top prospects to stay in college rather than turn pro.
An Exceptional Campaign with Texas Tech and the NCAA Tournament
JT Toppin’s path so far has been truly remarkable. Following an outstanding first year at New Mexico during which he explored his options for entering the NBA Draft, Toppin moved to Texas Tech through the transfer portal. During his sophomore season, he demonstrated remarkable abilities, notably during the NCAA Tournament when he achieved three successive triple-doubles, scoring 20 points each time, which propelled Texas Tech into the Elite Eight. This display confirmed him as one of the premier centers in collegiate hoops.
The Effect of NIL on the 2025 NBA Draft
Toppin's choice to go back to college rather than joining the NBA Draft underscores the increasing impact of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) agreements. Before the introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation rules, athletes such as Toppin probably would have headed straight for professional basketball, motivated by the potential earnings in the NBA. Now, with NIL enabling college athletes to benefit financially from their personal brand and abilities, Toppin stands to rake in almost twice the amount that typical rookie NBA players receive in their initial season. Such substantial monetary motivation is altering the way collegiate stars perceive their career paths, particularly when their chances at making it big in the NBA aren’t so certain.
NIL Altering the Playbook for College Basketball Athletes
According to CBS Sports' Matt Norlander, Toppin’s $4 million endorsement deal under the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policy nearly doubles the previous record set during the last off-season. Last year's top earner was Baylor Scheierman, who secured approximately $2.5 million as a first-round prospect for the 2024 NBA Draft. The expansion of NIL compensation is significantly impacting the quality and number of players entering the NBA through the draft. Athletes such as Toppin, who could potentially be picked in the latter stages because of their physical attributes or abilities, now possess economic incentives to remain in college. This allows them to enhance their earnings opportunities and maintain their prospects for joining the NBA.
The Upcoming Trends in NCAA Basketball and NBA Drafts
JT Toppin’s situation foreshadows what lies ahead for both men's and women's NCAA basketball. The impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights is now reaching into the realm of women's basketball as well. Top female talents such as Olivia Miles opt to remain in collegiate play rather than joining the WNBA draft. With NIL compensation continuing to increase, athletes like Toppin along with numerous others prefer staying in college not only to develop their personal brands but also to secure greater earnings. The world of both collegiate basketball and the NBA Draft is changing quickly, with the 2025 draft serving as a crucial measure of how Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation influences the trajectory of elite players.
AsNIL continues to grow, it's evident that the landscape of college basketball—and consequently the NBA Draft—is undergoing significant changes. Players such as Toppin now have the opportunity to remain in collegiate play, earning substantial sums while honing their abilities, which can rival the worth of a pro deal. The financial aspect carries more weight than ever before, making college basketball an increasingly appealing choice for numerous promising talents.
