Jacob Toppin says he has a high basketball IQ and can play multiple positions. (UK Athletics Photo)
Kentucky sophomore Jacob Toppin got a little media training from his brother Obi — who is expected to be one of the top players in the NBA draft next month— before his Zoom call with UK media members friday.
“Me and my brother probably have the strongest relationship out of everyone. Nobody is going to break our bond. Like, our bond is just so tight,” said Jacob Toppin, a Rhode Island transfer. “I was actually on the phone with him earlier today talking about how I have an interview and he was actually like asking me questions and stuff.”
Obi Toppin had a sensational season for Dayton and was one reason the Flyers were a Final Four — and potential national championship — contender last season before COVID hit. He was the consensus national player of the year.
“We’re always there helping each other out and stuff. We talk every day. We’re always checking up. He’s always like telling me and giving me inspirational quotes and all of these things telling me how I can better myself as a human being and as a player,” Jacob Toppins said. “So, we definitely love each other the most and we’re always helping each other every day.”
Obi Toppin obviously has done several interviews because his brother asked him the same questions media members did Friday.
“I don’t know how he knew that you guys were going to ask these questions, but he was just going with the flow and I was just answering them. It was actually pretty funny because these are the questions that you guys are really asking and he was asking me the same questions,” the UK sophomore said
Jacob Toppin isn’t worried about playing in his brother’s shadow or being overwhelmed by his brother’s success.
“I definitely think the game more (than Obi). My IQ is very high,” Jacob Toppin said. “I could play more of the two, three (positions) and I don’t think that he can.
“I definitely say that something I’d take from him is his post moves. His post moves are very good and he just knows how to read post play. He could pass out of the post and he can just play the post very well. So, I think that if I got better at that then I would be a great player.”
His brother obviously is going to be playing in the NBA. What would it mean to Jacob Toppin, who recently got a waiver from the NCAA so he can play this year, to one day join his brother in the NBA?
“That would definitely be a dream come true. We have always wanted to do that,” Jacob Toppin said. “To see my brother have the opportunity … I love to see him happy and achieve his goals. I am working on that and hopefully one day I will be able to join him.”
