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When you think of people that are seven feet tall, you don't often think of a soft touch and nice outside shot. Well, you do if you're a Virginia fan and Mike Tobey is on the court.
The giant wonder had an incredible first season for the Wahoos, even when you figure in his bout of mononucleosis that benched him for five games in February. 'Magic Mike' finished last year averaging 6.8 points and 2.9 rebounds a game, on 53% shooting from the field.
Tobey's biggest moment wasn't the career high 19 points against Wofford, or the team leading 17 against Seattle. No, it was the game tying shot to erase a 17 point deficit to Maryland as the seconds ticked away and Virginia's postseason hopes were on the line (we all know how that ended up, but we didn't then, so let me have it. Geez). On top of that clutch moment (I swear that was going to be a turnover on the inbounds...total Cardiac Cavs moment), Tobey followed a missed Akil shot and got the tip in to give Virginia the lead in overtime.
Enjoy this. The Tobey bonanza starts at 1:28.
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After a successful first year, Mike took his talents to South Beach Prague for the 2013 FIBA U-19 World Championships. Although Tobey saw minimal playing time, he contributed to the team's efforts towards bringing home the gold medal.
Tobey worked hard in the off season to put on more muscle and weight, and the added bulk should increase his rebounds down low and make him a more formidable defender for the season to come. Just stay away from the co-eds, Mike.
The Stats:
Position: Forward/Center
Height: 6-11
Weight: 253
Best Performance Last Season: vs. Maryland (13 points, 6 rebounds, 1 block, 2 clutch shots)
Biggest Weakness: 'Water fountains', kissing girls
Twitter: @miketobey10
Best Tweet:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Come to dell courts for ballin with the Hoos at 430. Anyone that beats <a href="https://twitter.com/EvanNolte">@EvanNolte</a> at tic tac toe gets a date with <a href="https://twitter.com/joeharrisuva">@joeharrisuva</a></p>— Michael Tobey (@miketobey10) <a href="https://twitter.com/miketobey10/statuses/385813319070023680">October 3, 2013</a></blockquote>
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