📰 No Excuses: The Rise of Greyson Tobin
By The Bandit Beat Staff Writer
In the bustling gym of the Buckner Bandits, you’ll often find Greyson Tobin doing the little things—scrapping for rebounds, setting hard screens, talking on defense, and closing out shooters like his life depends on it. He doesn’t demand the spotlight, but he’s earned it.
Now in his rookie season, Tobin has quickly become one of the most reliable glue guys in League play, ranking #2 in rebounds, #6 in blocks, and #8 in assists per game. Not bad for a young forward from Henry County, Kentucky.
“My parents always told me, ‘If you’re going to do something—go all in,’” Greyson says with a grin. “So I’ve always just tried to compete with everything I’ve got.”
🏡 Roots in Henry County
Greyson grew up in a small town with big dreams. Both of his parents were athletes at Bellarmine University, and they passed down a deep appreciation for sports and education.
A natural athlete, Tobin was a two-sport star at his high school, playing first base in baseball and anchoring the paint as a defensive center in basketball. He still holds his school's records for on-base percentage and home runs.
But it was basketball that truly captured his heart.
“I just loved how every play demanded communication and effort. You can’t hide in basketball—especially on defense.”
That mindset helped him become the emotional leader of his high school squad, known not for flashy scoring, but for tenacity, grit, and leadership.
🎓 Choosing Louisville & Rising in the ACC
Tobin was courted by several big-name schools including Cincinnati, Illinois, and Kentucky, but ultimately chose the University of Louisville, citing its proximity to home and the strong leadership of Coach Pat Kelsey.
Under Kelsey, Greyson blossomed.
“Coach Kelsey really emphasized leadership and defensive intensity. That stuck with me. He didn’t just teach basketball—he taught accountability.”
Greyson’s breakout moment came when he was named ACC Freshman of the Year, a nod to his impact far beyond the box score.
He also maintained a 4.0 GPA, majoring in psychology, which he continues to study in the offseason.
📊 Bandit Numbers: Quietly Elite
So far in Season 68, Tobin has filled the stat sheet while doing the dirty work. In just 30.7 minutes per game, he’s averaging:
9.7 rebounds
5.2 assists
1.6 blocks
6.1 points
1.1 turnovers
50% from the field
In eight games, he's totaled:
78 rebounds
42 assists
13 blocks
Whether it’s a 17-rebound night against the Icers or an 8-assist, 12-point performance versus the Revengers696, Tobin delivers consistency, heart, and high IQ.
“You won’t always see my name in lights,” he says. “But I guarantee my teammates know I’ve got their backs every second I’m on the floor.”
🏆 More Than a Player
Off the court, Greyson’s teammates describe him as kind, welcoming, and fiercely competitive—even in games of golf or video games. He’s single, has no kids, and dedicates his holiday seasons to supporting the local hospital, where he buys gifts for children undergoing treatment.
He’s a reader too—especially of books by Stephen Covey and John C. Maxwell—and swears by his personal mantra:
"No Excuses: Find a Way."
🔮 Looking Ahead
Tobin’s short-term goal? Make the playoffs. His long-term goal? Stay with the Bandits and continue to elevate both his defensive and offensive game.
When asked who his favorite player is, he flashes a smile.
“Me. Gotta believe in yourself. But if I had to pick others—Dennis Rodman and Draymond Green. I love intensity.”
With that kind of self-belief, discipline, and work ethic, it’s no wonder that Greyson Tobin is becoming the heartbeat of Buckner.