Where Did Obi Toppin Play College Basketball?

By Sarah Miller · July 7, 2046

Obi Toppin played college basketball at the University of Dayton, where he became one of the most dominant players in NCAA history during the 2019–2020 season, earning consensus First-Team All-American honors and the Naismith College Player of the Year award.

Obi Toppin's College Basketball Journey

Obi Toppin's rise to national prominence in college basketball was meteoric. After spending a postgraduate year at Mount Zion Prep in Maryland, Toppin joined the University of Dayton Flyers for his freshman collegiate season in 2018. However, it was his sophomore campaign in 2019–2020 that cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players in school history.

Why Obi Toppin Chose Dayton

Despite not being heavily recruited out of high school, Toppin found the perfect environment at Dayton to develop his game. The Flyers offered him a chance to play meaningful minutes early and grow under head coach Anthony Grant. Key factors in his decision included:

Opportunity for immediate playing time
Strong player development reputation
Proximity to his home in New York
Supportive coaching staff focused on athlete growth

Breakout Season: 2019–2020 Highlights

The 2019–2020 NCAA season was cut short due to the pandemic, but not before Obi Toppin made an indelible mark. He led the Flyers to a 29–2 record and a top ranking in the AP Poll. His electrifying dunks, efficient scoring, and defensive versatility made him a nightly highlight.

Awards and Accolades

Toppin swept the major national player of the year awards, becoming the first Dayton player to achieve such recognition. His accolades include:

Naismith College Player of the Year
John R. Wooden Award
Karl Malone Award (Top Power Forward)
Consensus First-Team All-American
Atlantic 10 Player of the Year

Statistic	Value
Season	2019–2020
Games Played	31
Points Per Game	20.0
Field Goal Percentage	.633
Rebounds Per Game	7.5
Blocks Per Game	1.2
Team Record	29–2
Final AP Ranking	#3

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows Toppin's exceptional efficiency—shooting over 63% from the field while averaging 20 points per game is extremely rare in modern college basketball. His combination of athleticism, touch, and rebounding made him nearly unstoppable in the A-10 conference.

NBA Draft and Legacy at Dayton

After the 2019–2020 season, Toppin declared for the NBA Draft and was selected 8th overall by the New York Knicks in the 2020 NBA Draft. His tenure at Dayton, though brief, transformed the program’s national profile and inspired future recruits.

Impact on Dayton Basketball

Elevated Dayton to national relevance
Increased merchandise sales and fan engagement
Set new standards for player development
Became a symbol of late-bloomer success

Frequently Asked Questions About Obi Toppin's College Career

Where did Obi Toppin play college basketball?

Obi Toppin played college basketball at the University of Dayton from 2018 to 2020, where he emerged as a national star during the 2019–2020 season.

What year did Obi Toppin play at Dayton?

Obi Toppin played two seasons at Dayton: his redshirt freshman year in 2018–2019 and his breakout sophomore season in 2019–2020.

Did Obi Toppin win any awards in college?

Yes, Obi Toppin won numerous awards, including the Naismith College Player of the Year, Wooden Award, Karl Malone Award, and was a consensus First-Team All-American in 2020.

Why didn’t Obi Toppin get drafted higher in the NBA Draft?

While Toppin was projected as a top-5 pick, concerns about his defensive consistency and positional fit caused a slight slide, but he was still selected 8th overall by the New York Knicks in 2020.

How good was Obi Toppin’s field goal percentage in college?

Obi Toppin shot an impressive 63.3% from the field during his award-winning 2019–2020 season, ranking among the most efficient scorers in NCAA history for high-volume players.