John Calipari wants more from Jacob Toppin tonight

If Jacob Toppin has a double-double, UK usually is going to win. (Vicky Graff Photo)

Kentucky’s Jacob Toppin is the start of a new national AT&T March Madness promotion that also includes a brief appearance from former UK guard/NBA All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

However, Kentucky coach John Calipari wants to put a “little bit more on Jacob’s plate” in tonight’s NCAA Tournament game against Providence.

Maybe that’s why he announced earlier this week that he had made Toppin and Lance Ware team captains this late in the season.

“When he’s that guy, we’re usually pretty good,” Calipari said.

The one exception was the SEC Tournament loss to Vanderbilt when Toppin had 21 points on 8-for-15 shooting and 11 rebounds. The four previous times Toppin had double-doubles, UK won all seven games. The Cats were also 4-0 previously when he had 20 or more points.

Toppin probably will also draw the defensive job against former UK player Bryce Hopkins, Providence’s best player and leading scorer.

Toppin is averaging 31.5 minutes, 12.5 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game — all dramatically higher than the numbers he had last year.

“I just want him to be more active,” Calipari said. “Here’s the other thing. You have to have a short memory in these games. If you miss a shot, you can’t have it affect the next two or three, including defensive possessions.

“As a leader, as a captain, you’re going to have to get by those things. And you’re going to have to help your teammates get by those things. He’s going to have to look at me and say, ‘I got this, coach.’ That’s what I’m hoping.

“When we look at this group, if we went through every one of them at their best, how do we get you in the mindset? When are you in your best mindset? What puts you in that zone? If it’s ‘We have nothing to lose,’ get in that mindset.”