Is Jacob Toppin related to Obi Toppin? Are they brothers?
Owing to their identical surnames, fans have been speculating if Jacob could be related to Knicks' power forward, Obi Toppin. Are the two related? If yes, how so?
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Jacob and Obi Toppin (SL)
Jacob Toppin, Kentucky’s starting forward, is currently on the radar for the 2023 NBA draft. Owing to their identical surnames, fans have been speculating if Jacob could be related to Knicks’ power forward, Obi Toppin. Obi is the New York Knicks four-star recruit and has been in the limelight for a while.
On the other hand, Jacob Toppin has drawn the attention of NBA scouts in the initial part of the season. Averaging 10.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.3 steals per game, Jacob has been substantial for Kentucky. His shooting skills are rather impressive where he recorded shooting 40% from the field and 25% from three-point range.
With his powerful play and strong athletic prowess, Toppin is a possible NBA 2023 prospect. However, his family connection with Obi Toppin has further favoured his case. So is Jacob Toppin related to Obi Toppin after all? And if yes, how so?
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Are Jacob Toppin and Obi Toppin related?
Yes, Jacob Toppin is the younger brother of NBA power forward, Obi Toppin. The Toppin brothers played at Mount Pleasant High School, where both had stellar high school basketball records. Obi Toppin has been a four-time All-State selection and Jacob has been a two-time All-State selection.
The Toppin siblings share a close bond since their childhood and are known to have always supported each other’s basketball career. Obi and Jacob, both aspired to play in the NBA and it doesn’t seem too far off for Jacob either.
Who is Obi Toppin’s brother, Jacob Toppin?
Three years his brother’s junior, Jacob Toppin is currently one of the top prospects for the NBA 2023 draft. Quite like his brother, Jacob is also a forward, albeit a more traditional one. Obi Toppin, who plays for the New York Knicks, was drafted into the NBA in 2020. Since then he has been playing for the franchise. Rumours have been going around that the New York Knicks are looking to land the second Toppin sibling in the coming NBA drafts. As to how much of that is really credible, remains yet to be seen. Fans, however, are intrigued by the notion and have tipped in favour of drafting the Kentucky forward.
Jacob and Obi’s father, Obadiah Topping had also been a streetball player. Born in Barbados, Obidah moved to Brooklyn as a young man. He was known for his streetball prowess and was often seen playing in the borough. It was the Senior Toppin who taught the fundamentals of basketball to his sons, instilling their inbred passion for the sport.
How do Jacob and Obi differ in terms of play?
Both the Toppin brother stand at a height of 6-foot-9 but their style of play differs on the court. Despite having similar builds, Obi is more of a versatile forward who is good at attacking off the dribble. Jacob on the contrary, is a more traditional forward who is great at providing rim protection while excelling in the paint.
Obi had averaged 4.1 points, 2.2 rebounds and 0.5 assists in 62 games in his rookie season in the NBA. The power forward has appeared in 58 games this season, averaging 6.2 points, 2.8 rebounds and 0.8 assists per game.
As to whether Jacob will indeed be drafted in the NBA remains a near possibility, but if it will be the Nicks that will sign him is yet to be speculated.
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Gerard Crispin
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