{"id":2185,"date":"2026-01-31T01:29:24","date_gmt":"2026-01-31T01:29:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/media\/?p=2185"},"modified":"2026-01-31T03:22:22","modified_gmt":"2026-01-31T03:22:22","slug":"the-voice-behind-wemby-jacob-tobey-discusses-victors-impact-far-beyond-texas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/media\/uncategorized\/the-voice-behind-wemby-jacob-tobey-discusses-victors-impact-far-beyond-texas\/","title":{"rendered":"The Voice Behind Wemby: Jacob Tobey Discusses Victor&#8217;s Impact Far Beyond Texas"},"content":{"rendered":"<div style=\"width: 640px;\" class=\"wp-video\"><video class=\"wp-video-shortcode\" id=\"video-2185-1\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" preload=\"metadata\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"video\/mp4\" src=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34\/2026\/01\/video1818296017.mp4?_=1\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34\/2026\/01\/video1818296017.mp4\" target=\"_self\">https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34\/2026\/01\/video1818296017.mp4<\/a><\/video><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jacob Tobey has quickly emerged as one of the most distinctive and inspiring voices in NBA broadcasting. As the television play-by-play announcer for the San Antonio Spurs on FanDuel Sports Network Southwest, the 27-year-old from Sandwich, Massachusetts, holds a remarkable distinction: he is currently the youngest person to serve in this role for any NBA team. Adding to his trailblazing status, Tobey is a proud member of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, making him the only Native American play-by-play broadcaster currently in the league.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a candid and engaging recent appearance on <a  href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/episode\/2cAeoASF0g6FwkTDDh4g4q\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><em>The Jones Report<\/em><\/a> podcast, Tobey opened up about his journey, his deep sense of responsibility, and the unique perspective he brings to the Spurs&#8217; booth. Despite his youth, he approaches every broadcast with the gravity it deserves, especially as the Spurs undergo an exciting and accelerated rebuild.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"352\" style=\"border-radius: 12px;\" data-testid=\"embed-iframe\" src=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/embed\/episode\/2cAeoASF0g6FwkTDDh4g4q?utm_source=generator\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" allow=\"autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>The Spurs&#8217; global reach<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The team currently boasts the second-best record in the Western Conference, a testament to their rapid progress centered around superstar sensation <a  href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Victor_Wembanyama\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Victor Wembanyama<\/a>. Tobey has a prime vantage point to witness Wembanyama&#8217;s otherworldly talents night after night. He described the French phenom as a &#8220;generational talent&#8221; capable of moments that have never been seen before in basketball history. This isn&#8217;t just hyperbole\u2014Wembanyama&#8217;s impact extends far beyond the court in San Antonio.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Spurs have become the most-watched team on NBA League Pass in France, Wembanyama&#8217;s home country, reflecting the organization&#8217;s strategic push to expand its global footprint, particularly in Europe.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tobey emphasized this international focus during the interview, noting, \u201cThere\u2019s no secret that the Spurs want to be present in Europe, specifically in France because of Victor.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For him personally, calling games featuring such a transcendent player is both an immense honor and a constant call to preparation. \u201cIt\u2019s a privilege,\u201d he said. \u201cI have to be ready at every moment, because he can do something that\u2019s never been seen before, never been done before.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-media-max-width=\"560\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Victor Wembanyama is halfway into year 3 of his career and he\u2019s already got a case for best in the world <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/bop0QGSg7G\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/bop0QGSg7G<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Point Made Basketball (@pointmadebball) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/pointmadebball\/status\/2013416328976072906?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">January 20, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This global orientation aligns perfectly with the Spurs&#8217; long-standing tradition of success with international talent. Legends like Tony Parker from France, Manu Gin\u00f3bili from Argentina, and Patty Mills from Australia helped build multiple championships under coach Gregg Popovich.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The organization has always excelled at embracing players&#8217; cultural backgrounds, integrating them into the team&#8217;s fabric while celebrating their origins. Tobey highlighted how this inclusivity creates a welcoming environment where diverse voices thrive.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adding a personal layer to this cultural richness is the presence of Lindy Waters III on the current Spurs roster. Waters, of Kiowa Tribe and Cherokee Nation descent, shares indigenous heritage with Tobey. The two have connected over their shared roots, and Tobey has collaborated with the Spurs organization to plan a Native American Heritage Night, anticipated for April during the season. Such initiatives underscore the team&#8217;s commitment to representation and community engagement.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tobey also shared insights into the Spurs&#8217; famous team philosophy, the &#8220;pound the rock&#8221; mantra popularized by Popovich. He explained it as a daily commitment to collective effort: chipping away at a massive boulder through persistent, unselfish work rather than seeking individual glory.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cIt\u2019s about going to work every single day, and nothing is about yourself, it is about the team,\u201d Tobey recounted. \u201cYou can\u2019t chip away at this big boulder and crack at yourself\u2014everyone has to have a crack at it. You pound the rock.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remarkably, this philosophy has been translated into multiple languages spoken in the Spurs&#8217; locker room over the years, including Spanish and French. Efforts are underway to incorporate Native languages as well, potentially with input from Waters, further illustrating the organization&#8217;s respect for cultural diversity.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>A man of many talents<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beyond his Spurs duties, Tobey maintains an active and multifaceted career. Last season, he served as the television play-by-play voice for the Golden State Valkyries in the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/media\/sports-media\/caitlin-clark-joins-the-nba-on-nbcs-coverage-amid-potential-wnba-lockout\/\" target=\"_self\">WNBA<\/a>, showcasing his versatility across leagues.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For the past three years, he has called games for the Native American Basketball Invitational in Phoenix, and in 2023, he was part of ESPN\u2019s groundbreaking first-ever all-Native American broadcast team\u2014a milestone that highlights his advocacy for greater indigenous representation in sports media.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When he&#8217;s not behind the microphone narrating high-stakes NBA action, Tobey trades the broadcast booth for stages around San Antonio. An accomplished musician, he performs acoustic sets featuring influences ranging from Ed Sheeran and John Mayer to contemporary country artists like Morgan Wallen. This creative outlet allows him to connect with fans in a different way, blending his love for music with his new home in Texas.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned=\"\" data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/CvdD7ADtRci\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\" style=\"background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);\">\n<div style=\"padding: 16px;\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/CvdD7ADtRci\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\"background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> <\/a><\/p>\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; 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font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;\">View this post on Instagram<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding: 12.5% 0;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;\">\n<div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin-left: 8px;\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin-left: auto;\">\n<div style=\"width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/CvdD7ADtRci\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\"color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">A post shared by Jacob Tobey (@jacobrtobey)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tobey&#8217;s story is one of breaking barriers, embracing heritage, and seizing opportunities with humility and preparation. His rapid rise from local roots to the NBA spotlight inspires many, particularly within Native American communities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For the full conversation, including more personal anecdotes and insights into his broadcasting philosophy, listeners can tune into the complete episode of <em>The Jones Report<\/em> podcast, now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Jacob Tobey has quickly emerged as one of the most distinctive and inspiring voices in NBA broadcasting. As the television play-by-play announcer for the San Antonio Spurs on FanDuel Sports Network Southwest, the 27-year-old from Sandwich, Massachusetts, holds a remarkable distinction: he is currently the youngest person to serve in this role for any NBA [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5665,"featured_media":2201,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[264,238,15,1],"tags":[75],"class_list":["post-2185","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","category-sports-media","category-podcasts","category-uncategorized","tag-featured"],"modified_by":"Tyler Jones","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/media\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2185","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/media\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/media\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/media\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5665"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/media\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2185"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/media\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2185\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2204,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/media\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2185\/revisions\/2204"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/media\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2201"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/media\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2185"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/media\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2185"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/media\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2185"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}