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The Kentucky Wildcats have just begun getting prepared for the 2021-22 season, but one thing is certain, Jacob Toppin is poised to be the veteran leader that Kentucky desperately needed last season.
Last season, leadership was without a doubt missing. Yes, Keion Brooks was there but he wasn’t able to be the on-court leader the team needed due to him being out with an injury.
Toppin really began to show how good he can be near the end of last season and John Calipari took notice, even calling him “found money.”
As Toppin is set for year two in Lexington, he is turning into a leader for this new group as we have seen through all the camps the team has been doing this summer.
Toppin is already a fan favorite, and it is obvious from summer camps that the players on the team like him as well. Everything we have seen so far this summer shows that Toppin is ready to be a leader for this team.
As for his game, Toppin has been putting in the work to be better. The areas have been footwork, off the dribble, catch and shoot, among other areas as he looks to be a major player this season.
I think a lot of the BBN is excited about the possibility of a breakout season for Toppin and he is embracing the challenge.
“I’m excited for it. I like a challenge. There’s no pressure. To me, myself, I feel like I’m going to have a breakout year,” Toppin told KSR. I’ve been working, I’m putting in the work. I’m building my confidence shooting the ball, dribbling, playing lower, I’m definitely excited to see what’s going to happen.”
Toppin’s confidence is growing and if his vocal leadership we have seen this summer translates to the court, this could be a very special season for him.
Calipari’s best teams have always had a veteran leader and Toppin could be that guy for the Cats in 2021.
For the last month @Jtoppin0 put in work for two hours every day we worked out. Footwork, off the dribble, catch&shoot. You name it. We did it. One of the hardest working dudes I’ve gotten to work with and a great person. Thank you to @roni_toppin for trusting me with your boy! pic.twitter.com/Nuf1irSzMB
— David Zenon (@DaveZenon) May 28, 2021
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