Kentucky basketball stars hint at possible, though improbable return together
Kentucky basketball is expected to have a vastly different roster next season but Oscar Tshiebwe and Jacob Toppin at least vaguely teased a return.
In the John Calipari error, acquiring talent has not been an issue for the Kentucky Wildcats. Kentucky basketball has been an assembly line for 5-star recruits who will soon become NBA Draft prospects. Oscar Tshiebwe and Jacob Toppin, however, have been outliers on the other side.
Amid a truthfully tumultuous 2022-23 season in Lexington, the senior leaders have been at the forefront in the good and the bad. Now it seems like Kentucky’s March Madness hopes are secured and they’ll be in the field of 68. Hell, the Wildcats might even be getting hot at the right time and go on a run.
But what about next year? You know, when Tshiebwe and Toppin are expected to be gone.
Well, not so fast on that.
Oscar Tshiebwe, Jacob Toppin tease return to Kentucky basketball — but only together
Because of the COVID extension from the 2019-20 season that was cut short with no NCAA Tournament, Tshiebwe and Toppin both have one year of remaining eligibility. So when Kyle Tucker of The Athletic asked about the possibility of utilizing that, the two Kentucky stars played it coy, only agreeing that they’d make the decision together.
Asked Jacob Toppin and Oscar Tshiebwe today if anything could get them to use the extra year at Kentucky next season.
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) February 28, 2023
Toppin to Oscar: “I’ll do whatever you do.”
Tshiebwe: “I like playing with Jacob, so I’ll follow him.”
In reality, Tshiebwe and Toppin are likely having a little fun and will be gone to the NBA or some pro level next season. That’s the expectation and it would make sense at this point in their careers.
With that said, the answer is definitely a tease for fans. There’s a possibility they could stay and return to Lexington together. Crazier things have happened.
And most importantly, they didn’t say no.
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