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Jacob Toppin - Ability

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CatsPaws270

Heisman
Dec 7, 2015
24,531
64,126
113
So we know that he was a freshman that got a lot of time at a high level mid major line Rhode Island. That’s a winning program and he got significant minutes.

Let’s look at his development...

-He didn’t have any division 1 offers and then came on late. Hit a growth spurt and got to 6’9

His offers of note?
Rhode Island
St. John’s
Oklahoma State
Virginia Tech
Dayton

Those are all really good programs. Seems like he was a late riser. This is the kind of player that we wonder “where did they come from?” In March.

He has the size and talent to play at the highest levels. He isn’t a developed NBA prospect on day 1, but give him 3-5 years to develop?

Look at how well Dom Hawkins was at the end? Athletic, but had no offers and then got some love from Morehead. Then Tennessee and Kentucky got involved late and look how good he was at the end of 4 years. Look at what Cal did with just 2 years of Josh Harrelson.

He’s 6’9 and has potential. He’s coming here to DEVELOP. He has a brother in the NBA and will get the right feedback. He’s not coming to be a star and take 50 shots. He’s coming to train in the best facilities in the country against the BEST talent in the country.

This guy will be very good...the size and talent is there...the willingness/attitude to get better is there...and 3 more year of eligibility??
 
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Canned Heat

Heisman
Dec 10, 2006
17,839
24,968
0
He showed his potential in his old teams biggest matchups last year. He definitely has the tools. I think Payne will turn him into a solid rotation guy and he may work his way into the starting lineup at some point
 
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Snarks

All-American
Jan 31, 2005
8,433
6,698
93
I don’t think EJ would have averaged what he did at Rhode Island. Hopefully the NCAA will pass the transfer rule so he’ll be eligible next year.
 
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STL_Cat

Heisman
Dec 4, 2011
64,883
57,637
98
Cefiro said:
I don’t think EJ would have averaged what he did at Rhode Island. Hopefully the NCAA will pass the transfer rule so he’ll be eligible next year.
Click to expand...

I’m confused by this post, because EJ averaged more at Kentucky than Toppin did at Rhode Island last year.
 
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bucsrule8872

Heisman
May 30, 2005
24,397
29,352
0
Hopefully he adds some muscle. If he can add 10-15 lbs he would be a perfect small ball 5 for us. Should be good to switch on guards like Cal likes.
 
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FFWhite

All-American
Dec 20, 2006
26,538
7,684
98
Lot of bounce. Don't expect him to take or make a bunch of 3s but he will be able to score off put backs and lobs. If he can handle the ball a little bit he could be a big contributor at some point.
 
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GonzoCat90

Heisman
Mar 30, 2009
32,377
34,559
0
Cal used to take 6'8 three star athletes and terrorize division one. I'm all for having a few on the roster.

Also worth noting that Oregon and Iowa State like to bring in impact transfer guys. This wasn't a guy with no options.
 
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bucsrule8872

Heisman
May 30, 2005
24,397
29,352
0
BlueWorldOrder74 said:
sorry brother, but what you typed doesn’t make sense to me. No way In the world or Hell this kid would be a good “small ball 5.”
Click to expand...

You could be right.

I haven’t seen enough of him to know. I have read elsewhere that it isn’t out of the question that he plays some 5.

Kid is 6’8+. He is maybe closer to 6’9. In today’s game he can play some 5, if he can defend and rebound. Not a lot of bruisers these days. This kid, in certain situations, can play the 5. Maybe not full time, he is better suited as a 4, but on occasion he can play the 5, with some more weight.

The way Cal switches on defense, we need quickness at every spot.

I remember about this time last season it was an absurd notion that Brooks could play the 4. He was too small at 6’7 to play any down low.

Now it is pretty much accepted that he is a 4.

Toppin may play exclusively at the 4 or might play the 3 and 4. That’s probably most likely, but it is possible that he slides to the 5 if need be. I think a lot depends on who we have at the 5. If Haarms signs and Jackson is as good as advertised, he won’t be needed at that spot.

I’m just thinking with “positionless” basketball and the way Cal switches, he can handle that spot, from time to time.
 
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Anon1658882690

All-American
Jan 4, 2015
5,468
7,338
0
I see loads of potential from him.. Gets off floor fast and with authority.. Let KP polish him up and you'll have a well rounded contributor.. Looks decently quick too.. Nice strock.. Great pickup..
 
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CrazyCat74

All-Conference
Nov 7, 2018
1,413
2,442
0
Love me a kid that can go up in traffic smash the ball down with energy and hate.

Next season we will have plenty of guys that have alot of attitude when they are throwing the ball down.

Weve had way to many soft finishers around the rim the last couple years.

Our PGs can just flip it up, somebody is going to go up and get it.

Should be alot of fun!
 
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ukhemingway

All-Conference
Dec 21, 2005
2,996
2,504
113
kl40504 said:
Isn't that the same thing you said about EJ?
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No way I mentioned toughness and EJ in the same sentence. Lol. If I said that.. punch me in the mouth. EJ is a stretch 4 that still hasn't developed. Toppin can knock down the jumper better than EJ, or URI let him shoot it more than UK let EJ. We'll see.
 
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CatsPaws270

Heisman
Dec 7, 2015
24,531
64,126
113
UK HEMINGWAY said:
No way I mentioned toughness and EJ in the same sentence. Lol. If I said that.. punch me in the mouth. EJ is a stretch 4 that still hasn't developed. Toppin can knock down the jumper better than EJ, or URI let him shoot it more than UK let EJ. We'll see.
Click to expand...
The big difference between Toppin is that Toppin WANTS to develop and be coached. EJ had all the ability in the world and trained hard...but thought his game was just fine.
 
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CatsPaws270

Heisman
Dec 7, 2015
24,531
64,126
113
kl40504 said:
So now you are a mind reader.
Click to expand...
No, I think of myself as a modern day Sherlock Holmes ;)

1. Toppin left a school where he'd be the star. He chose not to go to other schools where he'd ave more shots and opportunity. He chose to come to a place where there are great players coming in and out every year...knowing he needs some time to develop more.

2. EJ Montgomery. A high rated recruit. Early draft scouting reports had him as a lottery pick type guy. He fell off. His dad said 1 more year would be a waste and his son is already good...even though he's not projected at all. He decides to go pro without any draft stock at all...
 
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kl40504_rivals

Heisman
Oct 5, 2018
15,258
11,184
0
HoptownCat93 said:
No, I think of myself as a modern day Sherlock Holmes ;)

1. Toppin left a school where he'd be the star. He chose not to go to other schools where he'd ave more shots and opportunity. He chose to come to a place where there are great players coming in and out every year...knowing he needs some time to develop more.

2. EJ Montgomery. A high rated recruit. Early draft scouting reports had him as a lottery pick type guy. He fell off. His dad said 1 more year would be a waste and his son is already good...even though he's not projected at all. He decides to go pro without any draft stock at all...
Click to expand...
How do you know what EJ thought? Maybe he thinks his game needs improvement but that he can develop it more in the G league or oversees. I sure don't know what he thinks and I don't believe you know either.
 
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Cats192

Heisman
Apr 22, 2011
14,881
17,761
93
UK HEMINGWAY said:
No way I mentioned toughness and EJ in the same sentence. Lol. If I said that.. punch me in the mouth. EJ is a stretch 4 that still hasn't developed. Toppin can knock down the jumper better than EJ, or URI let him shoot it more than UK let EJ. We'll see.
Click to expand...

EJ was the opposite of toughness. 100 touch fouls a game. Couldn't fight for boards.
 
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Cats192

Heisman
Apr 22, 2011
14,881
17,761
93
I think Toppin is a huge addition. We need to start filling out the roster with these kinds of guys. Getting 1-2 3 star guys that have the ability to play here is the only way we're going to have an experienced roster.

Toppin clearly wants to be here. He knows what the team is and as of today accepts he has to sit out a year. That means he's coming to practice against the best and develop and...wait his turn. Which a lot of our higher ranked guys refuse to do. Juzang aint starting next year? Transfer. Wiltjer can't guard anyone? Transfer.

2021-2022 we've got Allen and Toppin, maybe guys like Ware and Fletcher come back. Most think Askew is a multi-year guy. Could be the start of something big. Finally.
 
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bradscats

All-Conference
Mar 28, 2007
4,154
1,617
0
So after reading what many of our fans think about the addition of Toppin I have come to the conclusion that many will only be happy when we add only top 10 recruits who live up to their hype yet stay around for 4 years of development. No high ranked guys who are great for. Year or two and leave. No lower ranked kids who come in and are great veteran leaders in years three and four. Only top five kids who stay at UK into their NBA all-star years.
 
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kl40504_rivals

Heisman
Oct 5, 2018
15,258
11,184
0
bradscats said:
So after reading what many of our fans think about the addition of Toppin I have come to the conclusion that many will only be happy when we add only top 10 recruits who live up to their hype yet stay around for 4 years of development. No high ranked guys who are great for. Year or two and leave. No lower ranked kids who come in and are great veteran leaders in years three and four. Only top five kids who stay at UK into their NBA all-star years.
Click to expand...
And they want 10 top five kids each year that stay 4 years. Of course there are only 5 top 5 kids each year but Cal needs to recruit 10.
 
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BlueBlood66_rivals34314

All-Conference
Aug 2, 2012
3,469
1,233
0
HoptownCat93 said:
No, I think of myself as a modern day Sherlock Holmes ;)

1. Toppin left a school where he'd be the star. He chose not to go to other schools where he'd ave more shots and opportunity. He chose to come to a place where there are great players coming in and out every year...knowing he needs some time to develop more.

2. EJ Montgomery. A high rated recruit. Early draft scouting reports had him as a lottery pick type guy. He fell off. His dad said 1 more year would be a waste and his son is already good...even though he's not projected at all. He decides to go pro without any draft stock at all...
Click to expand...

How do you know Toppin would be a star at RI? He averaged 6 and 4....
 
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bradscats

All-Conference
Mar 28, 2007
4,154
1,617
0
I would be perfectly fine with taking a transfer like Toppin every single year. He’s a bit raw but has tons of potential. He has already transferred so less likely to do so again. He is what Cal has tried to add with others that have just transferred out after a year. You have three guys like him in the roster every year, you are still going to lose some early to the NBA but you are also more likely to develop some stars that stay around for a junior or senior year and you still have 9 other spots to fill out a roster.
 
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