06 Big Man is One to Watch

The south Georgia pipeline is always prone to produce big men with a world of potential. In the class of 2006, Bernard Toombs is hoping to follow the lineage that has gone before him. The 6-foot-10, 200-pound big man from Columbus (Ga.) Spencer High School has four schools on his list and with a good junior season, there could be even more.

Toombs progressed over the summer this year playing with the Georgia Stars 16 and under team. With his length, the pivot man is working hard to fine tune his skills under the basket.

“I just like to rebound and block shots. I feel that I’m pretty good at rebounding and getting putbacks,” Toombs said.

“Over the summer with the Georgia Stars, I’ve worked on my footwork and my post moves. I feel that my hook shot was dominant because I worked on it so much. I feel that no one can block my shots because I’m taller than everyone else. I need to work on my pump fake a little bit more to get the other team in foul trouble.”

Recruiters from a handful of schools saw the potential that Toombs possesses and tried to jump in early with him. Toombs said he’s heard from UNC-Charlotte, Auburn, Florida State and Penn State. In fact, he unofficially visited Charlotte recently. That trip has given the 49ers an early lead.

“I’d have to say Charlotte has the most advantage right now. They write me, call me and send me the news and keep me up to date with what’s happening there,” Toombs said. “When I went up there I really liked the coaches and the staff.”

With the season beginning next week, his focus is simple.

“I’m a student first, athlete second so academics are really important,” he said. “I gotta keep my grades up and I want to try to lead my team to the championship. Those are my main two goals this year.”