Texas Tech basketball faces Kentucky without star JT Toppin

The Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball team is set to face the Texas Tech Red Raiders in a preseason exhibition game at Rupp Arena. The matchup features two top-25 ranked programs, with Texas Tech currently ranked No. 19 and Kentucky at No. 23 in the Associated Press preseason rankings.

Texas Tech will be playing without star forward JT Toppin, who is recovering from an ACL tear sustained in February. Head coach Grant McCastland stated that while Toppin is ahead of schedule and performing individual skill development, he is not yet close to returning to full team practices. The team is expected to be led by veteran guard Derrion Williams, alongside transfers Donovan Atwell and Cruz Davis.