Kentucky
Kentucky Basketball Player Preview: Jacob Toppin
Basketball season is correct across the nook for the Kentucky Wildcats as they’ll look to convey No. 9 again to Lexington in 2022-23.
After a heartbreaking finish to the 2021-22 season, a number of gamers are again as soon as once more for a revenge tour.
One of many key returners is senior ahead Jacob Toppin who’s gearing up for yr three at Kentucky.
Jacob Toppin
Peak: 6-9
Weight: 205 lbs.
Hometown: Brooklyn, N.Y.
Place: Ahead
That is the yr that many expect Toppin to have his breakout yr as he’s prone to be the beginning energy ahead with Keion Brooks deciding to switch after final season.
Toppin performed in 29 video games for the Cats final season, began in 4 of these video games, and averaged 6.2 factors and three.2 rebounds in 17.7 minutes per recreation. I’d be shocked if all three of these numbers don’t dramatically improve this season.
Throughout the Cats preseason journey to the Bahamas, Toppin received off to a gradual begin, but it surely didn’t final lengthy as he confirmed precisely what we wish to see from him this season.
Throughout the 4 video games, Toppin averaged 16.8 factors, 5.5 rebounds, and led the staff in minutes at 24.5 per recreation.
He was additionally third on the staff in whole assists with 10, tied for first with Daimion Collins in blocks with 8, and tied for second with Sahvir Wheeler and Adou Thiero in steals with 7.
Nevertheless, the quantity that stands out essentially the most from Toppin’s efficiency in the course of the Bahamas journey is that he was second in three-point share, behind solely Chris Livingston (60%), as he shot 53.3% from deep.
Final season, Toppin shot 40% from three however solely averaged 0.3 makes an attempt per recreation. That quantity might want to go up lots in 2022-23.
Since arriving at Kentucky, Toppin has been considered one of our higher defenders each time he’s on the court docket. I count on that to proceed this season and the affect he could make defensively whereas getting starter minutes ought to have followers enthusiastic about senior yr Toppin.
We noticed a glimpse of his defensive presence within the Bahamas when he was making a spotlight reel of simply blocked photographs.
Kentucky has a variety of potential to be a high-powered, excessive scoring offense this season, however when you think about Toppin’s defensive means in addition to the protection of Wheeler, Livingston, and Cason Wallace, it might be considered one of Calipari’s greatest defensive groups.
Toppin goes to have a a lot larger position and never must share taking part in time. It is going to be attention-grabbing to see what he does with this large alternative this season.
The basketball season will begin with Huge Blue Insanity on Friday, October 14th, and the Cats first recreation of the common season shall be Monday, November 7th as they tackle Howard in Rupp Enviornment.