Obi Toppin's Younger Brother Jacob Announces Transfer to Kentucky
By Sam Dunn
Under John Calipari, the Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball program quickly became the foremost canonical home of One and Done. But, trophies aren't won with hardly-knew-ye freshmen alone -- Darius Miller, anyone? -- and with that in mind, Big Blue Nation's latest addition could turn out to be the underrated kind.
Rhode Island forward Jacob Toppin is transferring to UK.
NEW: Kentucky has landed a transfer from 6-8 forward Jacob Toppin, younger brother of Obi Toppin. Background on his game and fit at UK. https://t.co/pdcLuTSEKy
— Ben Roberts (@BenRobertsHL) April 16, 2020
The younger brother of Dayton superstar and presumptive NBA lottery pick Obi Toppin, Jacob is coming off a freshman season with the Rams in which he averaged just five points and four rebounds per game, but given his athleticism and upside, he has every chance to grow into a productive Wildcat.
And for the sake of playing time, it doesn't hurt that Ashton Hagans, Tyrese Maxey, EJ Montgomery, Nick Richards and Immanuel Quickley are all leaving Lexington to go pro.
New Kentucky commit Jacob Toppin... can do this. ? #BBN
— Big Blue Nation (@BigBlue9ation) April 16, 2020
pic.twitter.com/EMZLrpwsUo
As it stands, Toppin will have to sit out next season before becoming eligible to play. However, the Lexington Herald-Leader notes that the NCAA is expected to rule on a measure this spring that could allow any first-time non-graduate transfer player to suit up right away, a perfectly-timed development for Coach Cal and Co. if it comes to fruition.
In the meantime, check out those dunk highlights.