Toppin, on track for one of best freshman seasons in Dayton history, earns A-10 rookie award for third time

Dayton forward on pace for one of the best freshman seasons in school history

Dayton Flyers redshirt freshman forward Obi Toppin won the Atlantic 10 Conference Rookie of the Week award for the second week in a row and the third time this season on Monday.

Toppin had 16 points, nine rebounds, three blocked shots and two assists in a 72-48 victory Sunday against Richmond. He had six offensive rebounds and continued to show a knack for put-back dunks.

Âť RECRUITING: Latest transfer to join Flyers was top-100 recruit

“They’re very fun,” Toppin said. “As soon I see it come off the rim, I just know which way it’s going to come off, and I just follow it. If the ball’s shooting from the left side, it’s either going to shoot off forward or go off the other side, or it’s just going to roll off. I just have my timing ready. I’m used to doing it.”

“That’s all instinct,” Dayton coach Anthony Grant said. “That’s just god-given talent he’s worked on. That’s not something we practice. I don’t have a drill for that.”

 MORE ON THE FLYERS: Obi Toppin dunk tracker | All the links to follow the team

Toppin ranks second in the nation in field-goal percentage (71.3) behind Baylor’s Tristan Clark (78.0). He’s the only freshman to rank in the top 10.

Toppin is on pace for one of the best freshman seasons in UD history. He’s averaging 13.6 points per game through 14 games. Johnny Davis set the Dayton freshman record (14.3) in 1973-74. Jim Paxson (1975-76) and Tony Stanley (13.1) rank tied for second.

» RICHMOND GAME: Five takeaways | Twenty photos | Archdeacon on Dayton’s inside duo

Toppin could shatter the freshman field-goal percentage mark (60.2) set by Chris Wright in 2007-08. Sean Finn owns the school record of 70.7 (2002-03).

About the Author