Kentucky Wildcats’ senior forward Jacob Toppin is starting to breakout at the right time of the season. Over the last 4 games he’s seen consistency in his time on the court where he’s averaging nearly 17 points per game, 5.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, nearly 2 steals per game and a jaw dropping 2 blocks per game. That tell us he’s doing a lot of hustling on the floor.
Toppin’s season got off to a great start, scoring in double figures in 6 of the 8 first games he played in. Then, he hit a rough patch. Over the next four games something happened. Maybe his confidence dropped or something. Not sure. But he didn’t get a bucket against Missouri.
Since then he’s been on a tear. He’s playing some of his best basketball of the season. The notable improvement has been his confidence of his mid-range game. He’s developing a nice 12-15 foot shot and nailing it consistently. His 3-point shooting has also improved as it currently sits at 55%. It looks like his confidence from beyond the arc is simply a result of him gaining confidence in his game.
Toppin has hit double figures in 12 straight games hitting 53% of those shots.
As Toppin has come along so has his teammate Chris Livingston. Livingston has been gaining a rhythm that many in BBN have been waiting on since Livingston’s arrival in Lexington. Maybe it’s a case of both of them feeling more comfortable on the floor and, success is contagious.
Toppin possesses exceptional athleticism, which some consider to be among the top 5 in college basketball. Once he starts moving, his on court performance is a sight to behold. On the court, he is beginning to access an extra level of agility, and his recent games have provided even more proof of this.
If Toppin continues his ascent he could lead the Wildcats deep into the NCAA tournament and give BBN what they have been looking for; another championship.
The Kentucky Wildcats return to action tomorrow night, Senior Night, when they host the Vanderbilt Commodores.
Read: Joe Lunardi hints UK could go on a run into the tourney
Read: Is Chris Livingston the key to the Kentucky Wildcats
Read: Locker Room Lance Leading Cats
