This piece will also appear in the upcoming men's basketball game day program coming out Thursday.

With conference play getting underway, we had an opportunity to sit down with a player who has yet to play for Georgia State, but is extremely excited to when his name is called next season, sophomore JoJo Toppin. After a stellar career at Norcross High School, Toppin played his freshman season at Georgia before deciding to transfer to Georgia State and play for coach Rob Lanier who was the first person to ever recruit him.

Q: Before we talk about this season, let's talk a little bit about how you got here. You are originally from New York, but played locally at Norcross High School. What was the transition like for you coming south?

A: The cultures are definitely different. New York basketball is more physical with a 'dog-like' mentality, but I think that helped me when I came here. I'm not saying the south isn't tough and physical, it is, it's just different. Basketball in the south is definitely growing, especially with the high school regions which I was fortunate to play at Norcross High School under coach Jessie McMillan.

Q: You and your teammates were pretty successful at Norcross High School. Talk to us about your time there?

A: My teammates and I were always picking each others' brains at a young age and I think that is what helped make us so good. In high school you tend to have a lot of players who are in their own world and don't really want to take criticism from their own teammates. Coach McMillan taught us to listen to each other and that made us very coachable. We could point stuff out to each other and we did all the time. Playing with guys like Rayshaun Hammonds, Lance Thomas, and Jordan Goldwire, those guys are smart players. We exchanged thoughts and got better, and it has traveled on with us to college.

Q: You were highly recruited out of high school and I believe Coach Lanier even recruited you to play at Tennessee. What was recruitment like for you?

A: Many people don't know that Coach Lanier was the first college coach that ever gave me a chance. He was the first college coach I ever talked to. He was the first college coach to tell me that I was going to play at the collegiate level and that my athleticism was special. He doesn't know this, but it sparked a feeling in me – a confidence that he now gives us in practice. Things really took off after that and a lot of schools started to come in and were looking at me. It just made me want to be my best even more.

Q: Last summer you decided to make a change after a year at Georgia and come to Georgia State. How much easier was that transition with the relationship you had with Coach Lanier?

A: It made the transition really easy. Not just coaching, but with the person that he really is. The confidence that he gives his players is incredible. He always keeps it real and doesn't beat around the bush. A lot of high school players say that that they want to be coached hard, but you really have to mean it. He doesn't sugar coat things and I like that. You can be blind to the truth, but the truth isn't going to be blind to you. I never second-guessed whether I should come to Georgia State and it has been great so far.

Q: We are now just under halfway through the season. What has been the toughest part of having to sit out this year?

A: Watching the games is bittersweet. Sitting on the bench and looking down the bench and seeing Coach Lanier who might be looking this way but you know he isn't going to point at me to go in. I want to help the team and seeing our guys out there playing that I am kind of useless. However, at the same time, earlier that day at a practice I gave them my all so hopefully I am preparing them, just as they are preparing me for next year. Watching guys like C.A. (Corey Allen) and the night he had against Dartmouth and seeing performances like that really makes me happy. Seeing the energy of the guys on the bench helps a lot and we see it in practices. Sitting out has allowed me to focus on the mental aspects of the game and really appreciate it.

Q: Looking ahead, what are you goals once you are able to get on the court starting next season?

A: I want to be mentally attached to the game when the time comes for me to be ready next season. I can't tell you how excited I am as this is something I dream about at night and having my named called. This is the first year I have ever had to wait and not play. I'm definitely excited and will be ready to go.