DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) – Former Dayton Flyer Obi Toppin returned to his former stomping grounds to host his fifth annual ProCamps youth basketball camp.
“The community here is amazing, and that’s exactly why I came here when I committed here—just that homey atmosphere. It really feels like a second home to me,” Toppin said. “It’s amazing, this community, and I’m glad I’m a part of it now.”
Toppin’s visit generated a little extra buzz this year, coming off an NBA Finals appearance with the Indiana Pacers. Toppin was the first former Flyer in nearly 50 years to accomplish that feat.
“It was an amazing season,” Toppin said. “Obviously it didn’t end the way we wanted it to, but we did an amazing job, every single person on our team. That’s all we can be grateful for. On to the next year.”
Toppin brought along a special first-time camper this year: his six-year-old son, Daniel. Toppin said he’s not pushing basketball on Daniel quite yet, but hopes his son can follow in his footsteps one day.
“Oh, if he plays basketball, I’m pushing UD to the max!” Toppin laughed. “It’s no if, ands, or buts… he’s got to come here!”
Toppin is two years into a four-year deal with the Pacers, keeping him in Indiana at least through the 2027-28 season.