If you don’t know who Obi Toppin is by now, I feel REALLY bad for you. Leading the #5 Dayton Flyers, Toppin is averaging almost 20 points per game (19.7), almost 8 rebounds/game (7.8), all while shooting 63% from the field.
A “freak athlete” measuring at 6’9″ and 220 lbs, his leadership makes the Flyers fun to watch. Starting with the Maui Invitational, Toppin shines under the spotlight of every stage he’s been on.
In Maui, Toppin averaged 23 points in 6 games, including 18 in the tournament final against Kansas. He himself can will the Flyers to an Elite 8, if not a Final Four run. Dayton is one of the most complete teams in NCAA basketball.
There’s only a few opportunities to watch Toppin the remainder of the season, but tonight provides another as Dayton heads east to take on VCU. Waiting for the tip-off? Check out his highlights and start at the 4:35 mark to watch him shred top talent.
His ability to read defenders off of his own screens, the movement off of the ball. Pair that with the athleticism he brings to the table, I think you’ll understand why Obi Toppin of the Dayton Flyers is my favorite for National Player of the Year.