DAYTON – The University of Dayton has announced that freshman basketball player Obadiah Toppin will sit out the 2017-18 season.  The 6-foot-8 forward from Ossining, N.Y., is full member of the team and able to practice the entire season, but will not play in games this season after an NCAA ruling that he does not meet initial eligibility standards. 

Toppin will retain four seasons of eligibility, beginning with next season.
 
While at Mt. Zion Prep in Baltimore this past year, Toppin averaged 17 points, eight rebounds and four assists.  As a senior in high school in his only varsity season, he was selected to the Lower Hudson High School Basketball Coaches Association Conference 1 All-Section Team and all-league. He led Ossining High School to a 17-5 record and its first conference title in 10 years.  He averaged 20.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 3.0 steals as a senior.

"We knew this was a possible scenario for Obi early on in the recruiting process," Flyer head coach Anthony Grant said.  "And if it came to pass, we saw this as a chance for him to utilize this year acclimate as a student and enhance his strength and skill as an academic redshirt.  This is a great opportunity for Obi to develop as a player and student over the next 12 months, and prepare himself for a very successful college career."