Welcome to A10 Talk’s Top 25 Player Countdown. Each day, we publish a new article counting down the 25 best players in the Atlantic 10 this past season. Today, we continue our countdown with #12 Matt Mobley
Matt Mobley had big shoes to fill entering his junior season with the departure of Marcus Posley. The Central Connecticut State transfer couldn’t have been asked for more, finishing the season averaging 18.5 ppg, and being named to the All-Conference Second Team. While he may have started the season in the shadow of his backcourt partner Jaylen Adams, he put the entire league on watch the end of it.
Best Performances:
Mobley’s introduction to the basketball world came early, as the Bonnies played their toughest opponent of the season, Florida, in only their second game. Mobley had 28 points, including 12 points in under four minutes in the second half to help erase a 15 point deficit.
Mobley’s best performance of the season came in what should have been the Bonnies best win, but ended up being their most heartbreaking loss. After starting the conference season 6-3, and a top four (or even better) finish still very much in play, the Bonnies got a crack at VCU up in Olean. Mobley kept them hanging in the game, with NINE three pointers and seven rebounds. He then proceeded to catch a baseline inbounds pass, step back, and knock down an off-balance three pointer over Mo Allie-Cox. An all around great performance, capped off by a spectacular play. No comment on the final outcome…
Key Stats:
38.2-Mobley’s minutes per game, good for the top spot in the NCAA (Jay Adams finished 4th at 37.3mpg). This was partially due to his being the most consistent offensive option on the floor, but also because of Mark Schmidt’s reluctance (for better or worse) to give his main weapons rest. His ability to play at 100% for the entirety of the game, is remarkable, and a testament to his work ethic.
86-Mobley’s three pointers made this season, behind only Jack Gibbs for the conference lead. His three point percentage of 37.9%, surprisingly, was two percentage points higher than his best season at CCSU. Any further increase would make him the biggest three point threat in the conference.
86.1-Mobley’s free throw percentage, which was best on the team, and top 10 in the conference. Free throw shooting was a strong point for Bonnie’s all season long.
Team Effort:
While Jaylen Adams garnered most of the national attention, Mobley quietly carried the team offensively for long stretches when Adams was off. While it would have been unfair to expect him to entirely replace Marcus Posley, Mobley’s junior season was arguably better. Like Posley, he made “the big shot” in many games.
💪🏿💪🏿 Mr. Mobley is on fire. You can't stop him, you can only hope to contain him.
One point game. 1:42 to play. pic.twitter.com/Dm7bM13TBy
— Bonnies Men's Basketball (@BonniesMBB) January 25, 2017
Need a big shot ✔️@508_mobe hits a big shot ✔️
5-point game, 2:08 to play. pic.twitter.com/YLfLlab4QR
— Bonnies Men's Basketball (@BonniesMBB) March 1, 2017
Mobley also routinely made the hustle plays, using his long arms to snag rebounds and make chase down blocks. It is possible that Mobley could continue to improve with a years experience in the A-10 under his belt. Regardless, no one will be sleeping on Matt Mobley next season.
Previously: #13 ShawnDre’ Jones