Jacob Toppin always planned to come back to UK

Jacob Toppin knows he has to get bigger and also improve his shooting if he wants a chance to play in the NBA. (UK Athletics Photo)

When he put his name into the NBA Draft, no one really expected Jacob Toppin to keep his name in the 2022 draft. However, as the deadline approached to take his name out of the draft, Toppin kept his name in the draft.

Finally the Kentucky senior withdrew his name before the deadline and announced he would be back at Kentucky. But Thursday he said he never really had any intentions of going to the NBA which seems logical for a player who only averaged 6.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game last season.

“The plan for me was definitely to come back because I knew I wasn’t ready,” Toppin said. “I’m a person that’s going to go at my own pace. I’m not going to force anything. I believe that feedback, that opportunity helped me a lot for this upcoming season.”

Toppin transferred to Kentucky from Rhode Island and has played two seasons at UK. Coach John Calipari has already started touting him as a first-round pick in the 2023 draft despite his modest contributions so far at UK. However, with the transfer of starter Keion Brooks to Washington, Toppin has the opportunity to play a lot more this season.

What feedback did he get from NBA personnel?

“They told me I need to get bigger and stronger. I need to get more consistent at shooting the ball. Those were the three main factors that they told me about,” Toppin said Thursday.

Toppin said he’s added five to 10 pounds since last season working with new strength coach Brady Welsh.

“He’s been good for us. He’s been on me a lot about eating the right stuff. Not just eating a lot of food but eating the right stuff and it’s helped a lot,” Toppin said.  “I feel healthier. I feel better, I feel stronger, so it’s definitely been a process.”