Jacob Toppin

Jacob Toppin's Biography

Jacob Toppin is a talented American professional basketball player born on May 8, 2000. Currently, he is known for his valuable contributions to the New York Knicks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Moreover, he also holds a two-way contract with the Westchester Knicks of the NBA G League. Prior to his professional career, he displayed impressive performance playing college basketball for well-known teams such as the Rhode Island Rams and the Kentucky Wildcats. He belongs to the family of basketball athletes, being the younger brother of Obi Toppin, another respected professional basketball player.

Born and raised in a sports-oriented family, Toppin’s early life has been intertwined with sports. As a student in Ossining High School, he actively participated in multiple sports, showcasing his athletic prowess in basketball, football, and volleyball. In his senior year, Toppin exhibited prominent performance as a basketball player, averaging a significant 15.6 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. The outstanding performance promptly gave him All-Selection honors, although he was not highly sought after in the recruitment process. Disregarding the minor setback, he committed to further refining his skills by playing college basketball at Rhode Island.

In his starting year at Rhode Island, Toppin drew attention averaging 5.1 points and 3.9 rebounds playing in a bench role. However, after the end of the season, he decided to transfer to the Kentucky Wildcats. As a sophomore, he continued to show promising performances, coming up with an average of 5.2 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. His potential was further seen in his junior year, with his impressive track of 6.2 points and 3.2 rebounds per game. The great improvements in his performances culminated in his senior year, revealing exceptional statistics averaging 12.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. At the peak of his college career, Toppin opted to forego the additional year of eligibility and declared for the 2023 NBA draft.

Despite showcasing impressive skills and persistency, Toppin remained undrafted in the 2023 NBA draft. Unfazed, he seized an opportunity to join the New York Knicks and signed an Exhibit 10 contract on July 6, 2023. A few months later, on October 22, the Knicks converted Toppin’s deal into a two-way contract, further enhancing his opportunity to take his career to greater heights.

Toppin’s professional NBA debut occurred on December 5, 2023. He played for the Knicks in a high-stake match against the Milwaukee Bucks, ending in a 146–122 loss. His performance solidified his position, leading to him signing a 10-day contract with New York on February 22, 2024. Not long after, on March 4, the Knicks renewed his contract, solidifying his role as an indispensable part of the team. Later that year, on August 14, Toppin sealed another two-way deal with the Knicks, further establishing his career as a professional basketball player.

Overall, Jacob Toppin lives the life of a true basketball athlete and continues to rise as an invaluable player in the National Basketball Association. He not only shares his love for basketball with his older brother but also his determination to succeed and passion for the sport.