New Mexico’s JT Toppin and Paris Lauro were both recognized this week as the Lobo basketball standouts took home Freshman of the Week honors.
The Mountain West Conference unveiled its latest basketball standouts, as New Mexico’s JT Toppin and Paris Lauro earned Freshman of the Week honors in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively.
In a groundbreaking feat, JT Toppin of New Mexico secured the Mountain West Freshman of the Week accolade for the fourth time this season. Toppin’s outstanding performance contributed significantly to the Lobos’ victory over UC Irvine last week. Notably, he becomes the first player to clinch the honor four times in the initial seven weeks of the season. This puts him in an elite group, joining the ranks of Tyson Degenhart (Boise State), Darrion Williams (Nevada), Rytis Petraitis (Air Force), and Ethan Taylor (Air Force) as the fifth freshman with at least four recognitions in a season.
Toppin’s pivotal role in the Lobos’ triumph against UC Irvine, currently ranked 55th in the NET, included nine points, 11 rebounds, two blocks, and three steals. New Mexico, boasting an impressive 11-1 record and a 10-game winning streak, looks forward to concluding its non-conference schedule against Eastern New Mexico on Friday.
On the women’s front, Paris Lauro, the Lobo forward, earned the Mountain West Freshman of the Week distinction, marking her first weekly conference honor. Hailing from Dallas, Texas, Lauro showcased her skills in the lone game of the week, sinking three three-pointers and registering a season-high four rebounds, a block, and her first assist. Notably, this follows Lauro’s consistent improvement, with her minutes increasing in each of her seven appearances.
Lauro’s standout performance against No. 20 Gonzaga, where she contributed significantly in the third quarter with three three-pointers, underscores her impact. The announcement marks the second conference award for New Mexico this season, with Lauro joining Charlotte Kohl, who was named the Mountain West Player of the Week on Nov. 20. Additionally, Lauro becomes the first Lobo freshman to claim this accolade since Paula Reus in January 2022.
As conference play beckons, the Lobos are set to face Nevada on Dec. 30 and Boise State on Jan. 6, both games scheduled for exciting matchups at The Pit.
