feature-image

Imago

feature-image

Imago

Jadyn “JT” Toppin, standing 6 feet 9, often plays center and is known for his ability to play bigger than his size. He’s got it all. Rebounding. Shot-blocking. Efficient finishing around the rim. And that’s why he became the first player in Big 12 history to win both Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year in the same season. But reaching those heights wasn’t easy, especially without his support system.

Terrell Owens holding Dude Wipes XL

Who are JT Toppin’s parents?

Watch What’s Trending Now!

For any athlete, parental support plays a crucial role in building confidence and creating the right environment for growth. Toppin is no exception. Although little information is publicly known about his family, his mother’s name is Naomi Toppin.

ADVERTISEMENT

Born on June 14, 2005, he is the eldest of four children in the family. And while he interestingly shares the last name with the Toppin brothers from Brooklyn, he’s not related to NBA players Obi and Jacob Toppin. 

JT Toppin’s early life and family background

ADVERTISEMENT

Toppin grew up in Dallas, Texas, alongside his three siblings. He attended Faith Family Academy of Oak Cliff. And that’s where his talent got its wings. He first gained recognition for helping his team capture back-to-back state titles in 2022 and 2023.

The young gun’s dominance even earned him a four-star recruit ranking and a reputation as one of the nation’s top high school prospects. Toppin then joined the University of New Mexico, where he made an immediate impact. He quickly proved himself, earning Mountain West Freshman of the Week honors six times, tying a league record. By the end of the season, he was crowned Freshman of the Year and earned All-Mountain West Second Team honors!

ADVERTISEMENT

article-image

Imago

Following his standout season, Toppin transferred to Texas Tech University in search of greater exposure and competition in the Big 12. He had a fiery second college season with box score averages of 18.2 points and 9.4 rebounds.

ADVERTISEMENT

Toppin’s strong performances led to some NBA draft buzz around his name in 2025, but he chose to return to college basketball, a decision reportedly worth around $4 million in NIL deals. Now he’s unstoppable! Toppin opened his sophomore season at Texas Tech with a dominant 31-point, 14-rebound performance – marking his 20th career double-double in just 34 games. So, that’s the kind of dominance he’s built his name on.

ADVERTISEMENT

How many siblings does JT Toppin have?

JT Toppin has three younger siblings, though their names and personal details have not been publicly disclosed.

Inside JT Toppin’s relationship with his parents

Toppin’s family remains in the shadow of his public personality, but his mother, Naomi, has been vocal about her love. She’s often seen cheering passionately from the stands. “I’m one of those who, when I see the Lobos playing on TV or see my son playing, I’m yelling,” Naomi told the Journal on February 4, 2023.

ADVERTISEMENT

“I love the game, so seeing what the Lobos have done and the transformation they’ve made as a team just makes me more excited… Seeing how the Lobos are playing, just posting up, seeing all the places that (Jadyn) can fit into their defense and offense, it’s exciting for me as a mom to imagine him out there in the Pit,” Toppin’s mother said.

At that time, JT was averaging 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks per game for the defending Class 4A Texas state champions, off to a 23-3 start that season. So, yes, quite evidently, she’s got a strong bond with her son, one built on pride, support, and love for the game.

ADVERTISEMENT

Share this with a friend:

Link Copied!

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Written by

author-image

Yashika Dutta

2,141 Articles

Yashika Dutta is a Basketball Writer at EssentiallySports, covering the NCAA, WNBA, and Olympics. A member of the EssentiallySports Journalistic Excellence Program, she specializes in the high-stakes energy of college basketball, with features on the Big Ten Conference and the chaos of March Madness that bring fans right to the hardwood. Her coverage has even caught the attention of UConn coaches and Olympian Rori Dunk, earning her recognition for both accuracy and insight. A former state-level basketball player, Yashika channels her on-court experience into reporting that captures the game’s intensity beyond the box score. With a player’s sense of timing and a journalist’s instinct for storytelling, she shines a light on rising stars like Caitlin Clark and JuJu Watkins, while unpacking the pressures and triumphs that shape college hoops. Whether charting a Big Ten rivalry or chronicling the ethos of March Madness, Yashika connects fans to the heart of the game with energy and authenticity.

Know more

Edited by

editor-image

Daniel D'Cruz

ADVERTISEMENT