Dayton Flyers star Obi Toppin a semifinalist for Naismith Trophy

Dayton Flyers forward Obi Toppin made the cut for the Citizen Naismith Trophy, one of the nation’s college basketball player of the year awards. He was one of 10 players named a semifinalist on Thursday.

» BIRTHDAY PARTY: Toppin scores 20 as he turns 22

Toppin joins Udoka Azubuike (Kansas), Vernon Carey Jr. (Duke), Devon Dotson (Kansas), Malachi Flynn (San Diego State), Luka Garza (Iowa), Markus Howard (Marquette), Myles Powell (Seton Hall), Peyton Pritchard (Oregon) and Jalen Smith (Maryland).

Toppin scored 20 points Wednesday as the No. 3 Flyers (28-2, 17-0) won 84-57 at Rhode Island. He's averaging 19.8 points and 7.8 rebounds a game, while shooting .631 (228-361) from the floor and .388 (31-80) from three-point range.

» RELATED: Toppin, Garza favorites for top award

The Naismith Trophy field will be narrowed to four finalists on March 17. The award will be announced April 5 on Final Four Weekend in Atlanta.

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About the Author

David Jablonski

David Jablonski covers the Dayton Flyers and other sports for the Dayton Daily News, Springfield News-Sun and Journal News.