Jacob Toppin returning
- Thread starter RickyAllen19_rivals
- Start date
I don’t think Toppin needs more muscle, just tone up what he has. He’s an athlete that has the proper tools, just needs time and more experience.
I was really off on this one. Full retraction. Mea culpa.
You might be right on the weight, I certainly can't say for sure. But his brother played very well carrying about 30 lbs. more at basically the same height. I like Toppin's future at the PF spot, but just thinking about whether he could be better with a little more muscle on that frame.
I meant compared to a kangaroo.
Yeah, it's hard to deny his athleticism. People also need to keep in mind that his brother Obi didn't really hit his stride until his junior season and then he became dominant. I'm not saying Jacob is the next Obi, but he has similar athleticism and potential. He improved greatly this season. Next year he could take another step and become a team leader.
That is nice and all. But we need a super star shooter that crates for himself and team mates. Plus a very good PG. Also Brooks return.
I agree, Toppin improved greatly during the season and would be a perfect stretch 4 if Cal plays “modern basketball”.
Mickey Mouse does have white in his eyes. Time to cancel him!
Not gonna happen as we'll have like 6 PF's on the roster. He won't be taking anybody's heart.
We need Mintz back and add Powell. Cal needs to play those two and Allen as our backcourt. Toppin at the 4. Big O at the 5.
Cal needs to change his philosophy. 4 out, 1 in. Spread the floor.
Then use Collins as the third big. Ware and Hopkins compete to be the fourth big.
Let Askew and Hickman compete to be the fourth guard.
I think that might be our best hope unless an elite PG magically appears in the portal.
Cal needs to change his philosophy. 4 out, 1 in. Spread the floor.
Then use Collins as the third big. Ware and Hopkins compete to be the fourth big.
Let Askew and Hickman compete to be the fourth guard.
I think that might be our best hope unless an elite PG magically appears in the portal.
Yeah, I am honestly just cringing at the thought of Collins at the 4 and Oscar at the 5, I guess Sallis was too!
Playing two bigs is fine with a competent point guard and another shooter or two. Which we seemingly never have. I have faith Cal will land a huge upgrade at PG via the transfer portal and if the SEC rule passes we should land Powell. Add in Mintz or another portal guard, with Allen and Hickman (who's a good shooter as well) and we have a nice roster.
Let’s go Toppin! Kid is going to come back a baller next season. Look forward to seeing him play.
No way that is the starting lineup. I expect the starters at PG and SG to be unknown transfer portal guys, I could live with Allen and Toppin at the 3 and 4. Collins/Oscar center rotation.
USC doing a pretty good job with 2 bigs on the court.
Well one is the Number 1 pick in the draft lol. Neither Mobley is really a true post up big.
It’s all about making shots. If Alabama averaged 30% from 3 on the season I doubt anyone would be so high on that style of play. But you are right, that kid is a star.
You also have to guard them from the perimeter, both are capable of hitting the 3.
YeahYeah is pretty cut and dry when answering a question. It’s almost as if it’s the opposite of no
Our starting five...Did you watch any games this season? Would have another losing season!
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No need to be snippy.
Yes, I watched the games. I didn't say that would be my starting 5 or that it would be a good starting 5. I just said there's 5 guys that can play those positions if needed: PG Askew, SG Allen, SF Toppin, PF Ware, C Tshiebwe
I was mainly just commenting on the fact that it's good we have some guys returning. It's a vast improvement over the last couple years. Now, I'm hoping to see Brooks and Mintz back as well, and Jackson would be pie in the sky, but we'd all be thrilled with that.
PG: Grady
SG: Powell
SF: Allen
PF: Toppin
C: Oscar/Collins
Talk about a shift to modern basketball. Would love to see this lineup!
Yes!!
Basically anyone not liking their standing is leaving schools.
- star for mid-major, leave and make your mark at a major
- role player at a major, leave and become a star at a mid-major
-etc...
It really is like free agency in baseball.
I think there is decent chance Mintz returns. If he does, he probably starts, but not a guarantee. Interesting that there probably isn’t a single player you could write down “in ink” as a starter next year yet. I guess the closest is Oscar.
But in your list you have Grady as a PG, isn’t he a 2G.
I would love to see Abmas or even Pippen as our PG, although neither has entered portal yet.
A) I’m glad he’s coming back we need depth
B) he isn’t near talented enough to get us where we need to be .. if we are relying on guys like him we are going nowhere but something like 18-10 and 3rd in the SEC
B) he isn’t near talented enough to get us where we need to be .. if we are relying on guys like him we are going nowhere but something like 18-10 and 3rd in the SEC
Hopefully he does return, but he simply may not want to spend a 6th year in college. His grad degree could be something that is completed online as well. We shall see. The fact he and Brooks haven't announced anything yet is it least a good indicator they aren't set on leaving.
IMO Toppin has more upside than anybody returning so far with only a Jackson return changing that. This is big for our roster next year. Glad to have him back.
If he is on the level about lottery pick or return I think the NCAAT has helped us, he could slide below the line. Jackson would be a game changer.
Not athletic? He can take a 50cent piece off the top of the backboard and leave a quarter, two dimes and a nickel! That’s pretty athletic. lol
Don’t disagree with either of these. Although I do think either Toppin or Brooks could be 1st team all-SEC next year (20-30% chance).
Badly need 1-2 very good guards to join us!!!
Briscoe was a good college player. He just struggled to shoot from outside. I would take his defense and additional ball handling any day over what we recently experienced. The dude was recruited to play pg but played out of position for the betterment of the team. Yes, he left too soon but he often positively impacted the game with intangibles minus stepping on the baseline.
Doesn’t seem like we need Brooks back with this player group. Why not bring in some extra guard help? PG and SG’s. We have enough room on the roster and Brooks is an under performer as a scorer.