Thursday Quickies: Jacob Toppin Edition

In a bit of surprise news yesterday, Jacob Toppin, a freshman at the University of Rhode Island who entered the transfer portal, announced his top 3 with Kentucky making the cut, along with Oregon and Iowa State.

Toppin, a 6’8” forward from Brooklyn, averaged 5 points and 4 rebounds for Rhode Island last season while averaging 18.5 minutes per game.

Of course, Jacob is the younger brother of Dayton’s Obi Toppin, the Naismith trophy winner and certain lottery pick.

As of now, it seems as if the NCAA does approve the one-time transfer waiver proposal, it will apply for the next year, meaning if Toppin were to transfer to Kentucky, he would likely sit out the 2020-2021 season and be eligible for 2021-2022.

Honestly, that may be part of Kentucky’s plan with him. Kentucky could view Toppin as a long-term option, allowing him to develop at his own pace using 2020-2021 to allow him to develop and become accustomed to Kentucky’s system.

Toppin to Kentucky certainly is no guarantee, but this is definitely a name to keep an eye on moving forward. Just don’t view him as part of the puzzle that the Wildcats are trying to piece together for 2020-2021.

Tweet of the Day

And now a live look at Keion Brooks.

Quickies

Thoughts on UK recruiting and roster shakeup - Cats Pause

Cal won a big battle with Terrence Clarke.

Kentucky must replace record amount of production - KSR

Kentucky’s freshman will be relied on even more than usual.

Calipari tasked with one of his toughest rebuilds to date - Cats Pause

This will be one of Cal’s most difficult turnarounds.

UK Women’s Basketball adds two SEC transfers - Herald Leader

The Cats land two quality guards but both will sit out next season.

Is Lynn Bowden the NFL’s next unicorn? - Bleacher Report

The pre-draft hype for Bowden is growing.

Shareef O’Neal officially transfers to LSU - Yahoo

The Cats will have to face off against Shaq’s son.

Five things you might learn from the MJ documentary - Yahoo

Who’s ready for the MJ documentary this weekend?

The rise of Vinsanity, the 2000 Slam Dunk contest - ESPN

A dunk contest that will go down in history.