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Jacob Toppin Signs Two-Way Deal With New York Knicks

The three-year Wildcat will join forces with his brother right next to his hometown of Brooklyn.

HUNTER SHELTONJUN 23, 2023 8:00 AM EDT

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Kentucky Wildcats

KENTUCKY WILDCATS

Former Kentucky forward Jacob Toppin was one of two Wildcats that declared for the 2023 NBA draft and was not selected on Thursday night, alongside forward Oscar Tshiebwe.

Toppin never cracked any mock draft boards, and while his athleticism and size could’ve led to a late second-round selection, he ultimately fell off the board. Spirits were quickly picked up for the Brooklyn native, however.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported early Friday morning that Toppin has signed a two-way deal with the New York Knicks, joining forces with his brother, Obi:

He then hit the transfer portal and wound up in Lexington. He found a much similar role in his first two years as a Wildcat, playing in 53 games but making just six starts. He averaged around 17 MPG both seasons, averaging 5.2 PPG and 3.5 RPG as a sophomore, then 6.2 PPG and 3.2 RPG last season.

Ahead of his senior campaign, expectations grew. Toppin was labeled as a “breakout” candidate, someone who was going to elevate his game to the next level.