Jacob Toppin reveals who he worked out with in pre-NBA Draft process

After testing the NBA Draft process this spring, Jacob Toppin was one of Kentucky basketball’s few returning names. The 6’9 forward has plenty of traits for pro teams to love. With another year of development under his belt in Lexington, he could very well lock himself in as a selection in the 2023 NBA Draft.

Preparing in the draft process means crossing paths with some of the best young players in the world. Toppin spoke about the process and his experience working out with a pair of Top 20 picks as well as a seven-time NBA All-Star.

“I worked out with a lot of guys who were in the draft this year. AJ Griffin, Jaden Ivey,” said Toppin. “Paul George actually was there. He didn’t play with everybody but he gave me some good feedback.”

The opportunity to pick the brain of a former MVP candidate is invaluable for a prospect like Toppin. With similar frames and defensive prowess, George’s development in the NBA is the template for a player like him.

Toppin attended Rhode Island for a season before transferring to Kentucky for the last two years. His averages of 5.4 points and 3.7 rebounds doesn’t seem like much. However, limited time off the bench has devalued his statistics as he’s been an incredibly athletic, defensive-minded option for John Calipari.

The transfer of Keion Brooks Jr. has opened the opportunity for Toppin to finally be Kentucky’s full-time starter next to Oscar Tshiebwe. Based on his experience in the draft process, the Wildcats should get to see an improved Toppin next season.

“I think I did pretty good. They definitely got me better but I also got them better,” Toppin said. “It was a good experience.”

Kentucky will get their first look at what he learned this offseason on their foreign trip to the Bahamas. Toppin and his team will play in four games over a week down in Nassau starting August 8th.