Jacob Toppin Declares for 2023 NBA Draft After Three Seasons at Kentucky
After three up and down seasons at Kentucky, Jacob Toppin is headed to the 2023 NBA draft, forgoing his final year of eligibility.
The Brooklyn native released an announcement on social media on Friday:
"Before we even start, I want to thank God, because without him none of this would be possible. I want to thank my mom, because without her sacrifice my brother and I would not be the men we are today. I want to thank all my family and friends for supporting me along this journey," he wrote.
"To Big Blue Nation, ever since I was a kid, it's always been a dream of mine to be able to play at the highest level of basketball. I came to Kentucky to chase that dream and in my time here, i've grown tremendously not only as a player but as a man.
This place has taught me things that I will take with me for the rest of my life. For that, I want to thank my coaches and my teammates and most importantly the fans.
Your support and passion are things i'll never forget and I will carry with me. It has been a memorable time for me and Kentucky will forever hold a special place in my heart.
I've loved my time here, but i'm ready to finally fulfill my lifelong dream of playing in the NBA.
With that being said I will be entering my name into the 2023 NBA Draft.
Go Big Blue!"
Toppin's career began at Rhode Island, where the forward averaged 18.5 minutes a game, making three starts across 30 games. He averaged 5.1 points and 3.9 rebounds in bench role as a freshman.
He then hit the transfer portal and wound up in Lexington. He found a much similar role in his first two years as a Wildcat, playing in 53 games but making just six starts. He averaged around 17 MPG both seasons, averaging 5.2 PPG and 3.5 RPG as a sophomore, then 6.2 PPG and 3.2 RPG last season.
Ahead of his senior campaign, expectations grew for the brother of the former consensus National Player of the Year and current New York Knick, Obi. Jacob Toppin was labeled as a "breakout" candidate, someone who was going to elevate his game to the next level, boosting his NBA draft stock in the process.
His wicked athleticism and bounce showed glimpses over the course of his first two seasons at UK, so there was zero reason to think that he wouldn't shine in an expanded role.
That wasn't the case early on, and it was highlighted by a four-game stretch in December, where he scored a combined 13 points on 5-20 shooting. As UK struggled, he too received a brunt of the criticism.
After a 24-point outing in the win over Louisville on Dec. 31, Toppin told reporters that he had reached "rock bottom" around that time.
He went on to finish his senior season with a bang, as he scored 20 or more points in 16 of his final 20 games, recording seven double-doubles along the way. He finished his this season averaging 12.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists. Across three seasons as a Cat, he averaged 8.3 points and 4.7 rebounds.
I’m excited for Jacob to take this next step of chasing his dream of becoming a professional player," coach John Calipari said. "Jacob has steadily improved every season and is ready for this next step. He has all of the tools to be successful in that league and is mentally prepared beyond measure to handle anything that comes his way. Proud of you, kid!!"
"Honestly, I didn't think I was going to be in college this long," Toppin said with a smirk before Kentucky's Senior Night. "Everything works out for the best. So, it's God's plan. Truly blessed to be able to play for Kentucky basketball. It's been an honor."
What's trumped Toppin's growth as a basketball player is his visible growth as a man, something he spoke very openly about all season.
"We're gonna use the things that we've learned this year. Not just in basketball, we're gonna use it in life," he said following Kentucky's NCAA Tournament defeat to Kansas State. "All you can ask for is experiences. How does it make you better as a person? I feel like everyone in this locker room has gotten better as a person, has gotten stronger mentally, physically, spiritually, everyone's gotten better. That's really all you can ask for in life."
Now, Toppin will attempt to build off his strong finish in a Kentucky uniform and try to build a career in the NBA. He is the third Kentucky senior to announce a decision, joining Sahvir Wheeler (transferring) and Brennan Canada (returning).
Pros and Cons of Tshiebwe Returning for a Third Season at Kentucky
More on the soon-to-be Wildcats HERE.
Inside Kentucky basketball's somber locker room after NCAA Tourney defeat HERE.
More on the potential roster overhaul in Lexington HERE.
More on the loss to Kansas State HERE.
Want the latest on national football and basketball recruiting, including Cats targets? Head over to SI All-American for the latest news, blogs, and updates about the nation's best prospects.
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