By Adam Martini
The curtain recently came down on Antawn Dobie's basketball career at Long Island University. But there may be an encore.
Dobie, who was academically ineligible his freshman year, needs 14 credits over the summer to regain a year of eligibility and return to the Blackbirds next season. As it stands, the senior ranks 17th all-time in scoring with 1,131 points and fourth all-time with 304 assists at LIU.
The Blackbirds (5-22) dropped their first 16 games this season before winning five contests, but Dobie was sensational all season. The 6-foot combo guard was selected to the first team All-Northeast Conference. He led the conference in scoring, averaging 21.2 points per game and was second in assists (5.2) and steals (2.3).
A Corona Native, Dobie briefly moved to Charlotte, N.C. at age 9 when his mother remarried. They stayed in Charlotte for three years, during which time Dobie shed his boyhood interests in baseball and football and developed a passion for basketball. He took his game to the playgrounds and summer leagues when he returned to Queens.
His basketball ability came to light during his two standout seasons at Monsignor McClancy High School. As a senior, he averaged 22 points, seven assists and three steals and was named first team All-Brooklyn/Queens and honorable mention all-city by the Daily News. Dobie found himself on the mailing lists of a few Division-I schools.
Choosing to play at LIU wasn't a hard decision. The local kid wanted to stay close to home, close to family and friends. He enjoyed playing in front of his mother, Stephanie, who always supported his athletic endeavors. At LIU, she would see him play regularly.
“My mom has been my greatest influence,” Dobie said. “She hardly missed a game of mine when I was growing up.”
Dobie made an immediate impact when he took the court his sophomore season. He started 24 of the team’s 27 games, flashing his scoring ability. He earned four NEC Rookie of the Week Awards and was selected to the league’s All-Rookie Team.
On the court, his blinding first step allowed him to blow past defenders, but beating the books wasn’t as easy. Academic difficulties shortened his junior campaign, as he appeared in the Blackbirds final 13 games, coming off the bench in all of them.
“It’s been a great experience,” Dobie said about lessons learned at LIU. “I’ve grown as a basketball player become a better all-around person.”
Dobie finished his senior season like he finishes drives to the basket — strongly. His grades were up and so was his scoring average. He capped off the season by being named conference Player of the Week for the first time after averaging 27. 5 points and six assists in wins over Sacred Heart and Fairleigh Dickinson.
Dobie is looking forward to possibly returning next season. The team will mostly be the same, but there will be a new head coach. Adelphi coach Jim Ferry will step in for interim coach Ron Brown effective April 1. He feels as if the team has something to prove.
“Nobody wants to go out on the bottom [of the league],” Dobie said. “I want to leave a better statement, then I’ll feel better about moving on.”
And what if he doesn’t return? A sociology major, Dobie would like to help people for a living, if he doesn’t play professional basketball. He already has helped himself to a fine college basketball career.
Reach controbuting writer Adam Martini by e-mail at TimesLedger@aol.com or call 229-0300, Ext. 130.
