The Virginia men’s basketball program got more than just a win over LSU on Sunday. Head coach Tony Bennett and company scored their first commitment of the 2012 class in 6-11 center Mike Tobey . Tobey, who is attending The Hotchkiss School (Lakeville, CT), committed to the Hoos over offers from Miami, Northwestern, Pittsburgh, Siena and Xavier. Notre Dame, Stanford and Wake Forest showed interest as well.

“I think Virginia is getting a special talent,” Hotchkiss head coach Fred Benjamin said. “His best basketball is ahead of him. He’s 6-11, and he’s only 16 years old. His footwork is already good. His touch and IQ are quite impressive. His work ethic…he’s relentless. He really wants to get better. He does what he needs to do to get better.”

Bennett evaluated Tobey closely during the AAU circuit last summer, when the versatile low-post prospect played for the New York Gauchos. By the fall, Virginia’s coach had extended a scholarship offer. Tobey and his family were already impressed with Virginia, having made an unofficial visit to Charlottesville earlier in the summer.

“We were overwhelmed by the beautiful facility and how great the coaching staff was,” recalled Ken Tobey, Mike’s father. “We are huge ACC fans even though we are from New York. Mike has always been a strong student. Ron Sanchez did a great job recruiting Mike. The facility, the Strength and Conditioning coach are great. On top of all that, Mike really wants to go into the business world and Virginia has a great school.”

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