BREAKING: Jacob Toppin is returning to Kentucky for senior campaign

Jacob Toppin is back for Kentucky in 2022-23, returning for his senior season in Lexington.

After testing the NBA Draft waters, the 6-foot-9 forward has decided to withdraw and play for the Wildcats just one day prior to the deadline.

“What’s up Big Blue Nation?” Toppin announced. “First off, I want to start by thanking God because without him, I wouldn’t be in this position I’m in today. I want to thank my coaching staff, my teammates and everyone along this journey who has helped me. Most importantly I want to thank the best fans in the country, Big Blue Nation. Without you guys, I wouldn’t know where I’d be.

“With that being said, I miss you guys. Let’s run it back one more year. Go Big Blue.”

Toppin added that he’s “coming back with big goals in mind” and that “it’s time for NINE!”

#BBN, I’m coming back with big goals in mind. It’s time for NINE! 💙 pic.twitter.com/wcRukB8B6j

— Jacob T (@Jtoppin0) May 31, 2022

Toppin has played in 83 career games with nine total starts over three seasons. He spent his first year at Rhode Island before transferring to Kentucky for his sophomore and junior campaigns.

As a junior, the 6-foot-9 forward averaged 6.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game while shooting a career-best 55.6% from the field and 40.0% from three. He finished with a career-high 32 assists, 16 blocks and 179 points on the year.

Toppin hit the double-figure scoring mark seven times this season, including a season-high 14 points and a career-high eight rebounds at LSU. He also added 13 points and six boards in 40 minutes vs. Alabama.

Now, the veteran forward is back for one more year.

Toppin joins Oscar Tshiebwe, Sahvir Wheeler, Daimion Collins, Lance Ware and CJ Fredrick back in Lexington, with Cason Wallace, Chris Livingston, Antonio Reeves and Adou Thiero being the new faces.