Basketball fans love a good family connection story. Any time two players share a last name, people start wondering if they’re related. And when both are making waves in their respective leagues, the speculation only grows louder. That’s exactly what’s happening with Obi Toppin and JT Toppin.
Obi Toppin is out here throwing down ridiculous dunks and putting in solid performances for the Indiana Pacers, while JT Toppin is dominating college basketball at Texas Tech. They have the same last name and are both elite hoopers, so they must be family, right?
Wrong.
Obi and JT Toppin are not related in any way. Not brothers, not cousins. Not even distant relatives who awkwardly nod at each other during family reunions. Just two players with the same last name who happen to be really good at basketball. But since you’re already here, let’s break down why people keep making the connection and what actually makes these two stand out.
Who are they related to?
If you’re looking for family ties, Obi Toppin does have a basketball-playing brother—Jacob Toppin. Obi was born in Brooklyn, New York, on March 4, 1998, and grew up loving the game. He made a name for himself at the University of Dayton before making the leap to the NBA, where he became best known for his ridiculous leaping ability. He even won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 2022, proving that when it comes to throwing it down, few do it better.
Jacob, on the other hand, took his talents to Rhode Island and Kentucky, playing college ball before making his way into the professional ranks. But as far as a connection to JT Toppin? There isn’t one.
Nov 27, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin (1) celebrates a made basket in the first quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
On the other side of the country, JT Toppin is carving out his own path in basketball. Born on June 14, 2005, in Dallas, Texas, he’s been making headlines as one of the top players in college basketball. The Texas Tech forward has been a dominant force this season, putting up monster performances and proving he’s one of the best in the Big 12.
Despite the shared last name, JT’s actual family includes his mother, Naomi Toppin, and three younger siblings. There’s no link to Obi, just another rising star who happens to have the same name.
Fans love a good basketball family. Whether it’s Stephen and Seth Curry, the Lopez twins, or the Gasols, whenever two players share a last name, people assume they must be related. And when both are legit talents? That just fuels the confusion.
Obi and JT also play with a similar level of energy and explosiveness, which doesn’t help separate them in fans’ minds. Obi is a high-flying, fast-paced forward, while JT has been an absolute force in college hoops, dominating both ends of the floor. The mix of athleticism, skill, and a shared last name makes the connection seem obvious—even though it’s completely false.
Obi Toppin’s standout season with the Pacers
Even with all the family confusion, Obi Toppin has been letting his game do the talking this season. He’s been a key contributor for the Pacers, providing scoring, rebounding, and, of course, highlight-reel dunks.
On March 17, 2025, he dropped a career-high 34 points and 10 rebounds in an overtime thriller against the Timberwolves, sealing the game with a clutch three-pointer in the final seconds. A week later, he came off the bench and lit up Minnesota again, scoring 20 points with six three-pointers in a convincing win.
For the season, he’s averaging 9.9 points, 4.0 rebounds, and shooting 52.9 percent from the field. While those aren’t superstar numbers, he’s been a key part of Indiana’s success, stepping up in big moments when the team needs him.
Meanwhile, JT Toppin has been making waves in college basketball, helping Texas Tech push deep into the NCAA tournament. His breakout moment came in the Sweet 16, where he dropped 20 points, grabbed nine rebounds, and blocked five shots in a clutch overtime win against Arkansas.
NCAA, College League, USA Basketball: NCAA Tournament West Regional-Texas Tech at Florida Mar 29, 2025 San Francisco, CA, USA Texas Tech Red Raiders forward JT Toppin 15 drives to the hoop past Florida Gators forward Alex Condon 21 during the second half during the West Regional final of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Chase Center. San Francisco Chase Center California United States of America, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xEakinxHowardx 20250329_tcs_es2_097
That wasn’t a one-time thing, either. Earlier in the season, he torched Arizona State for a career-high 41 points in a double-overtime thriller. And by the end of the regular season, he had 14 double-doubles, showing off his ability to dominate inside and out.
His monster performances earned him Big 12 Player of the Year and Big 12 Newcomer of the Year honors—an accomplishment no one else in conference history has ever pulled off. On top of that, he was named a Second-Team All-American and has firmly put himself on the radar of NBA scouts.
Even though they aren’t related, Obi and JT Toppin are both proving that the name belongs to serious ballers. Obi is working on taking the Pacers to the next level in the NBA, while JT is well on his way to hearing his name called on draft night.
And if they ever end up playing against each other? You can bet the announcers will have a field day confusing fans all over again. Until then, let’s set the record straight—same last name, different families, but equally exciting players to watch.
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