Prospect Profiles: Wizards host Jacob Toppin, Bryce Griggs, and more for June 17 workout

On Saturday, June 17, the Wizards hosted six players for a pre-draft workout at Capital One Arena: Jacob Toppin, Bryce Griggs, Emmanuel Akot, Jayden Gardner, Brendan Medley-Bacon, and Malachi Smith. Here’s a little more information on each prospect.

EMMANUEL AKOT- Position: Guard- Height: 6’8″- Weight: 215 lbs- College: Western Kentucky

Emmanuel Akot started his college hoops career at Arizona where he played for two seasons before transferring to Boise State. Due to the old transfer rules, Akot had to sit out a season at Boise State before suiting up for two seasons where he averaged 10 points per game.

After three total years with Boise State, Akot transferred to Western Kentucky for his final season. There, he averaged 10 points, 3.7 boards, and 2.3 assists per game.

JAYDEN GARDNER – Position: Forward- Height: 6’6″- Weight: 233 lbs- College: Virginia

Jayden Gardner spent three years at East Carolina where he established himself as a dominant scorer in the paint, averaging 16.3, 19.7, and 18.3 points per game in each respective season. He then built on that momentum and transferred to the ACC, joining a Virginia Cavaliers team with high postseason hopes.

His scoring averages dropped slightly, but Gardner remained an impact player on both ends of the floor while playing in one of the best conferences in college basketball. In two seasons with Virginia, he averaged 13.7 points per game on 50.5% shooting from the field to go along with 6.1 rebounds and 1.1 assists.

BRYCE GRIGGS – Position: Guard- Height: 6’2″ – Weight: 183 lbs- Previous team: Overtime Elite

Bryce Griggs had a super productive 2022-23 season for Overtime Elite. The 6-foot-2 point guard showed he can do a little bit of everything on both ends of the court. In 11 games, he averaged 16.4 points, 7.9 assists, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.2 steals. He’s now looking to bring his steady ball handling and two-way impact to the NBA level.

BRENDAN MEDLEY-BACON – Position: Center – Height: 7’0″ – Weight: 235 lbs- College: NC Central

Brendan Medley-Bacon has had a unique college journey. He played two seasons for Coppin State, then spent one season at VCU and one season at McNeese State before playing his final college season at NC Central. It was his last stop where he made his biggest impact.

In the 2022-23 season for NC Central, the 7-footer flashed potential on both ends of the court, finishing plays around the rim and protecting the cup on defense. He averaged 12 points per game on a crazy-efficient 68.4% shooting from the field to go along with 5.5 rebounds and 1.9 blocks.

MALACHI SMITH – Position: Guard- Height: 6’4″- Weight: 205 lbs- College: Gonzaga

After a relatively quiet freshman season at Wright State, Malachi Smith transferred to Chattanooga where he broke into the scene. In his two seasons at Chattanooga, Smith poured in a whopping 18.6 points per game on 48% shooting from the field and 39.7% shooting from deep to go along with 7.6 boards and 3.1 assists.

Smith then transferred to Gonzaga for the 2022-23 season, where he was a key role player for the Zags. He played in 37 games and averaged 8.7 points on 53.6% shooting from the field and 50% shooting from deep.

JACOB TOPPIN – Position: Forward- Height: 6’9″- Weight: 205 lbs- College: Kentucky

Jacob Toppin played his freshman season for Rhode Island before transferring to Kentucky to play for John Calipari and the Wildcats. In his first two seasons with Kentucky, Toppin operated primarily in a bench role, averaging roughly 17 minutes per game.

Then, in the 2022-23 season, he broke out and turned into an everyday starter. Using his length, versatility, and springy athleticism, Toppin averaged 12.4 points per game on 46.3% shooting from the field to go along with 6.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists.