Bullish, multi-dimensional, and barreling to the rim with nary a tinge of trepidation, 6-foot-5 guard/forward Damon Tobler showed sustainable relentlessness this weekend.
The underrated Tobler, now at Believe Prep Academy (TN) following a brief and forgettable stay at Montverde Academy (FL), scored 20 points on 11 shots during the post-grad program's 89-75 loss to Walters State on Friday.
While Tobler may be a relatively unknown on the recruiting market, several immeasurable intangibles make him appealing at the next level.
The physicality of his game was a necessity, especially as BPA buckled under early first half jitters. Stoked with confidence and initiating offense during critical junctures, Tobler put his versatile tool-set on display.
He knocked down deep jumpers. He knifed to the rim. He punched home one extravagant dunk through traffic, supplying energy and jolting the team into focus.
Tobler's advanced physical play and ability to snatch boards upfront was indicative of the toughness that parallels his game. While many of today's players are bone-thin, quick, and ferociously athletic, Tobler is very much a throwback with his football-basketball build and mentality.
In a game filled with heavy trash talk, staredowns and extra-curricular activity, Tobler was not afraid to talk trash or provide confrontational defense.
Believe Prep will certainly need this type of swagger this weekend. Tyson Waterman's team will play plenty-tough Mount Zion Academy in the hoops hotbed of Baltimore.
A major advocate of Tobler and the leadership qualities he has to offer is BPA coach Jason Moxley. Moxley, who coached at Pfeiffer, is the younger brother of former N.C. State assistant Rob Moxley.
Rob Moxley has long been recognized as one of the nation's elite recruiters, having secured high-end talent such as Greivis Vazquez (Maryland) and T.J. Warren.
Jason Moxley's son, BPA alum Andrew Moxley, is a deft shooting 5-foot-10 guard now at Georgetown College (KY) of the NAIA. So, it's fair to conclude he's got an eye for discovering and developing talent.
Tobler's BPA team will gauge their grit amongst a number of the nation's heavy hitters this winter.
They will compete on the now expanded Grind Session and play in the Tark Classic in Las Vegas next month.