Kentucky’s Calipari savors personal wins for Collins, Toppin

In the wake of Kentucky head coach John Calipari’s accolades for his alums Tyrese Maxey and Immanuel Quickley, the Wildcats’ most recent successes are even nearer to his heart. Not only did the Wildcats win the NCAA Tournament, but two of their star players, Jordan Collins and Obi Toppin, received individual awards as well.

Calipari, who has been coaching at Kentucky since 2009, expressed his appreciation for the accomplishments of Collins and Toppin. “The satisfaction that I get from this is immeasurable,” he said. “This is a great honor for both of these young men.”

Collins was named the National Player of the Year by the Associated Press, while Toppin was named the 2020-21 Co-National Player of the Year by Sports Illustrated. It is the first time Kentucky has seen two players receive such prestigious honors in the same season.

“It’s really special to see two of our players receive such a tremendous honor,” Calipari said. “It’s a testament to their hard work and dedication to the game.”

Calipari has been known for his ability to mold players into stars and is credited with helping Collins and Toppin reach their full potential. His guidance, as well as his recruiting prowess, has helped make Kentucky one of the top teams in the country.

“I’m extremely proud of both Jordan and Obi,” Calipari said. “They have worked hard to be the best players they can be, and these awards are a reflection of that.”

As Calipari celebrates his own personal success, he is also taking the time to recognize the hard work of Collins and Toppin. The duo is the latest example of Calipari’s ability to produce world-class talent, and their accomplishments are a source of pride for the entire Kentucky program.