Jacob Toppin Signs Two-Way Deal With New York Knicks

The three-year Wildcat will join forces with his brother right next to his hometown of Brooklyn.

Former Kentucky forward Jacob Toppin was one of two Wildcats that declared for the 2023 NBA draft and was not selected on Thursday night, alongside forward Oscar Tshiebwe.

Toppin never cracked any mock draft boards, and while his athleticism and size could've led to a late second-round selection, he ultimately fell off the board. Spirits were quickly picked up for the Brooklyn native, however. 

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported early Friday morning that Toppin has signed a two-way deal with the New York Knicks, joining forces with his brother, Obi:

Kentucky forward Jacob Toppin has agreed on a two-way contract with the New York Knicks, sources tell ESPN. He’s the younger brother of Obi.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 23, 2023

Kentucky head coach John Calipari later confirmed in a Tweet, congratulating his former player for finding a professional home near his home. He also noted that Tshiebwe "has options too that he's weighing."

I am so happy for Cason and Chris to be drafted. We had some miscommunication and I didn’t realize Chris was at Barclays until I saw him on TV. I let him know last night that I would’ve stayed and sat with him if I had realized he was there.

Jacob has a two-way with the Knicks…

— John Calipari (@CoachCalArk) June 23, 2023

Toppin's career began at Rhode Island, where the forward averaged 18.5 minutes a game, making three starts across 30 games. He averaged 5.1 points and 3.9 rebounds in bench role as a freshman.

He then hit the transfer portal and wound up in Lexington. He found a much similar role in his first two years as a Wildcat, playing in 53 games but making just six starts. He averaged around 17 MPG both seasons, averaging 5.2 PPG and 3.5 RPG as a sophomore, then 6.2 PPG and 3.2 RPG last season. 

Ahead of his senior campaign, expectations grew. Toppin was labeled as a "breakout" candidate, someone who was going to elevate his game to the next level.

That wasn't the case early on, and it was highlighted by a four-game stretch in December, where he scored a combined 13 points on 5-20 shooting. As UK struggled, he too received a brunt of the criticism.

After a 24-point outing in the win over Louisville on Dec. 31, Toppin told reporters that he had reached "rock bottom" around that time.

He went on to finish his senior season with a bang, as he scored 20 or more points in 16 of his final 20 games, recording seven double-doubles along the way. He finished his this season averaging 12.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists. Across three seasons as a Cat, he averaged 8.3 points and 4.7 rebounds. 

Want the latest on national football and basketball recruiting, including Cats targets? Head over to SI All-American for the latest news, blogs, and updates about the nation's best prospects.

Sports Illustrated also offers insight, information and up to the minute details for gamblers. Check it out here.