Kentucky men’s basketball senior Jacob Toppin has officially declared for the 2023 NBA Draft, forgoing his remaining collegiate eligibility. The Brooklyn, New York, native expressed his gratitude to God, his family, friends, and the Kentucky community in a heartfelt statement.
Toppin thanked the “Big Blue Nation” and reflected on his growth during his time at Kentucky, both as a player and as a person. He specifically thanked the fans for their unwavering support, stating that Kentucky will always hold a special place in his heart.
As the longest tenured member of the Wildcats, Toppin played in 86 career games at UK and started in 37. He averaged 8.3 points and 4.7 rebounds per game during his time with the team.
UK head coach John Calipari expressed his excitement for Toppin, stating that he is ready for the next step. Calipari highlighted Toppin’s continuous improvement throughout his college career, noting that he has the tools and mental preparedness necessary to succeed in the NBA.
Toppin enjoyed his best season during his senior year, setting career highs in multiple categories just 19 games into the season. He scored a career-high 24 points against Louisville and achieved eight double-doubles. Toppin finished the season averaging 12.4 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, with 23 double-figure scoring efforts and a 50% success rate on his 3-point attempts during league play.
The 2023 NBA Draft Combine will be held from May 15-21, and the NBA Draft itself is scheduled for June 22. Toppin’s declaration for the draft marks the beginning of his pursuit of a lifelong dream and the end of an illustrious college basketball career at the University of Kentucky.
