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Indiana basketball: Ranking the top 15 team frontcourts for 2022-23

By Connor O’Keefe

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 27: Trayce Jackson-Davis #23 celebrates a play on court with Race Thompson #25 of the Indiana Hoosiers against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the first half of the game at Williams Arena on February 27, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Hoosiers defeated the Golden Gophers 84-79. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 27: Trayce Jackson-Davis #23 celebrates a play on court with Race Thompson #25 of the Indiana Hoosiers against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the first half of the game at Williams Arena on February 27, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Hoosiers defeated the Golden Gophers 84-79. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /
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FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS – FEBRUARY 26: Oscar Tshiebwe #34 of the Kentucky Wildcats points to the bench during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bud Walton Arena on February 26, 2022 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Wildcats 75-73. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

528. . . . Wildcats . 6. team

Oscar Tshiebwe, 6’9″ 260lbs, Senior Forward
2021-22 Stats: 17.4 pts/g, 15.2 reb/g, 1.6 blk/g, 35.0 PER

Jacob Toppin, 6’9″ 194lbs, Senior Forward
2021-22 Stats: 6.2 pts/g, 3.2 reb/g,19.1 PER

Chris Livingston, 6’6″ 200lbs, Freshman Forward
2022 5-star prospect: #12 ranked nationally, #3 ranked SF

The 2021-22 Naismith Player of the Year (NPOY), Oscar Tshiebwe, surprised everyone with his decision to return to Kentucky for his senior season after averaging the most rebounds per game (15.1) since total rebounds became a stat in 1996-97. Tshiebwe had double digit rebounds in 32 of his 34 games played last season, which he tied with Armando Bacot (UNC) for the most such games in a single season since 1996-97.

Jacob Toppin, brother of Knicks’ forward Obi, proved his value on-and-off throughout the season, but still played like a freshman with his mistakes and turnovers. He’s not a great rebounder at his size and still needs work on his scoring and shooting ability, which brings down the Wildcats’ overall frontcourt rating.

Now for incoming five-star forward Chris Livingston, he’s another one of the young freshman that comes into a highly ranked program with high expectations. Livingston will blow things out of the water with his all-around game. He will likely be another one-and-done for John Calipari and the Wildcats, and for good reason; the kid is special.

Comparing to the Indiana basketball frontcourt

The size and strength comparison between TJD and Tshiebwe are pretty even, giving a slight advantage to the NPOY. Offensively and defensively, TJD takes the crown over “Big O” as he has better finishing around the rim and more length. Race Thompson has the clear advantage over Toppin, and it’s not close, with his “do-it-all” type attitude. Although I give the advantage to Livingston over Kopp, the overall experience and talent goes to the Hoosiers’ frontcourt, primarily due to Trayce Jackson-Davis.

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