It’s been a long, twisting road for Mike Dabney.
And now that the journey is coming to an end, he’s getting an opportunity to display his basketball
skills.
Dabney, 6-feet-8, is a senior walk-on for the Bowling Green Falcon men.
"I just wait for my chance to get out there and do what I can do," Dabney said. "That’s
all I can do, and work hard in practice.
"I really appreciate the opportunity that I’ve had. I’m really happy I was able to do this."
An all-city player while at Mumford High School in Detroit, Dabney started his college career at
Concordia (Mich.) University for the 2006-07 season. He averaged 9.0 points and 4.7 rebounds while
blocking 56 shots in his one season there.
Since then Dabney has battled academic woes, spending time at both Schoolcraft College, a junior college
in Michigan, and at Bowling Green.
He would have made the Falcons as a walk-on last season, but didn’t have the grades.
"He’s a determined guy. He worked hard in school to raise his grades and get himself in position, if
he was able, to be a part of the team," BG head coach Louis Orr said. "He had a goal and he
achieved it."
Dabney has made a difference in limited playing time this season.
"I did expect to make the team. I did expect to play and contribute as much as I can and win,"
Dabney said. "This year is probably the most fun I’ve had in my life."
Dabney is coming off a career-high eight-point effort in BG’s 63-57 loss to Kent State. He has played in
six of BG’s last 10 games. In that span he’s scored 27 points and added 12 rebounds with eight blocked
shots.
"He’s helped us win some games," Orr said.
Overall in 13 games, he has 11 blocks, playing a total of 114 minutes.
"It’s all about timing," Dabney said about blocking shots. "A lot of guys try to fake you
out with the pump fake. I really don’t go for too many pump fakes.
"I really wait until they leave their feet and I’m really quick in getting off my feet and I’m long,
that makes it easier to block a shot."
Dabney would like to go to law school after graduation, but also hopes to play professional basketball
overseas. He will graduate in August with a degree in liberal studies.
"If I have the opportunity, I will definitely take it," Dabney said about playing
professionally.
Orr sees Dabney as being successful after college.
"I wouldn’t count him out," Orr said. – CARLE
