Jacob Toppin to test NBA Draft waters while maintaining eligibility

Jacob Toppin will test the NBA Draft waters while maintaining his college eligibility, the junior forward announced Tuesday.

The 6-foot-9 native of Brooklyn, NY will not hire an agent at this time, though he could sign with an NCAA-certified agent and return to Kentucky next season. He will have until June 1 to make a final decision.

“First I would like to thank God for all of my blessings,” Toppin said. “I would also like to thank all of the people who have been a part of my journey: my family, coaches, teammates, trainers and teachers. Big Blue Nation, the best fans in the world, thank you for all of the support. I love you all! After discussing my future plans with my family and coaches, I have decided to enter my name in the 2022 NBA Draft. Throughout this process I will be keeping my eligibility.”

Players can submit paperwork to receive evaluations from the NBA and participate – if invited – in the NBA Draft Combine which is slated to take place May 16-22.

“I think Jacob is making a good decision for him and his family by using the resources that the NCAA allows. I’m in full support of Jacob’s desire to explore his options,” UK head coach John Calipari said. “Jacob is as athletic as any player who I’ve coached and has really begun to come into his own on the court. He has all of the tools to be successful in this game, but his willingness to share and be a great teammate is a difference maker.”

Toppin has played in 83 career games with nine total starts over three seasons. He spent his first year at Rhode Island before transferring to Kentucky for his sophomore and junior campaigns.

As a junior, the 6-foot-9 forward averaged 6.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game while shooting a career-best 55.6% from the field and 40.0% from three. He finished with a career-high 32 assists, 16 blocks and 179 points on the year.

Toppin hit the double-figure scoring mark seven times this season, including a season-high 14 points and a career-high eight rebounds at LSU. He also added 13 points and six boards in 40 minutes vs. Alabama.

Now, the junior forward will decide if it’s time to take a shot on his professional career or return to Kentucky for another season.