Why return of Jacob Toppin could be key for Kentucky basketball's long-term potential
LEXINGTON – Against North Florida, Kentucky basketball forward Jacob Toppin learned being available is not necessarily the same thing as being at full strength.
“He just hadn't played,” Kentucky coach John Calipari said after Kentucky’s Friday win. “So, he ran up and down four times. He was gassed. And the way we're playing now, like I told him after, what we're trying to do is continue to run for 40 minutes. If you can't do that when you're in, you're not going to be playing much.”
How quickly Toppin is able to regain his conditioning after missing four games with a bruised shoulder could say much about Kentucky’s prospects as the schedule difficulty increases in December.
Toppin, the younger brother of former New York Knicks first-round pick and National Player of the Year Obi Toppin, is one of the best athletes on the roster. At 6-foot-9, 200 pounds, he has the versatility to play three, four and five depending on Calipari’s preferred lineup combination.
Kentucky basketball: UK is beating up on bad teams despite injuries, but does it matter?
As evidenced by his performance against Duke star Paolo Banchero in the season opener, he might be the best defender on the roster.
“I think Jacob Toppin can be the best defensive player in the SEC, because I think he can play all five positions if he wants to,” UK associate to the head coach Bruiser Flint said earlier this season. “…He has to want to. He has to do some things, but defensively, just don’t do it just because you’re playing Paolo. We want you to do it every night against whoever your opponent is.”
Playing strong defense is always the most effective path to minutes on a Calipari-coached team, but Toppin does need to refine his offensive game.
In his two appearances this season, Toppin has totaled seven points in 33 minutes. He has hit 3 of 9 shots.
Against North Florida, he totaled three points, two rebounds, one assist, one block, one steal and three turnovers in 10 minutes. Toppin showed off his immense athletic gifts with a highlight reel lob dunk for his only field goal but hit just 1 of 3 shots in his return to the floor.
“He has got to shoot balls,” Calipari said. “He may not make them, but to drive baseline and step out of bounds, you're not doing that. Shoot the ball. … You've got to take the shots that are there, because when you don't, they all lead to turnovers.
“He's a good shooter – not a great shooter – but he's a good shooter. Shoot the ball, and then get in the gym more. Live in there like some of the other guys have.”
Kentucky basketball: This stat shows how differently UK is playing this season
Before missing the North Florida game due to illness, junior forward Keion Brooks seemingly locked down his starting spot at the four by averaging 19.5 points and eight rebounds per game in the previous two games. Freshman Daimion Collins contributed 12 points and six rebounds while starting at the four in place of Brooks against North Florida.
Those performances may cut into Toppin’s available minutes when everyone is healthy, but his defensive versatility should still earn him a role in the primary rotation.
The return of Toppin and sophomore forward Lance Ware (ankle) against North Florida at the very least addresses the concern about a lack of post depth that became apparent while they were out and star Oscar Tshiebwe battled foul trouble.
“Those guys are unique,” UK assistant coach Orlando Antigua said before the game. “They bring a certain toughness, a different energy. Not that we’re missing it, but it’s something they add to our team, which is a great luxury to have when you have the kind of depth we do have.”
How to watch Kentucky basketball vs. Central Michigan
Time: 7 p.m., Monday, Nov. 29
TV channel: None (Streaming only)
Radio: 840 AM
Streaming: WatchESPN
Email Jon Hale at jahale@courier-journal.com; Follow him on Twitter at @JonHale_CJ.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky basketball: Jacob Toppin offers defensive weapon when healthy
