Jacob Toppin opens up on how rewarding recent stretch has been after personal struggles

This senior season has been one full of highs and lows for Jacob Toppin. If you were to determine where he is right now, though, it’s a very obvious peak. Still, he isn’t going to let himself get too excited, even with the recent success for him and Kentucky.

Toppin spoke about his improved play during media after the Wildcats defeated Florida 72-67 on Saturday. Considering he knows what the valleys feel like, he doesn’t want to think too much about the mountaintop when there are still ways he believes he can better help his team.

“It’s very rewarding,” Toppin said. “I don’t want to get too high because I understand what the low is. And you’ve got to find a balance between the highs and the lows. That’s what I’m doing right now. I’m not really focused on what I’m doing. I’m focused on what I’m doing to help this team instead of individually.”

“Obviously I’m playing good right now,” said Toppin. “I could be better defensively, I could be better in many aspects. But I’m gonna look at it like I’ve come a long way and have established that I can go further.”

Toppin finished this weekend’s win over the Gators with a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds on 50% shooting. It was just the latest great performance from him over the last ten games. Since New Year’s Eve, Toppin has averaged 14.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and just under a block a game on 49.4% shooting from the field. That stretch has also coincided with the turn in Kentucky’s season as they’re 8-3 in that time.

Kentucky needed the best version of Toppin this season and, at times, he didn’t show up. Now, with some newfound consistency, he’s playing his best basketball and, in turn, is helping his team play its best heading into February.