Last Updated on April 17, 2026 by Mat Diekhake
Here is detailed information about Andrew Toney:
Player Profile
- Full Name: Andrew Toney
- Nationality: American
- Date of Birth: November 23, 1957
- Hometown: Birmingham, Alabama
- Height: 6 feet 3 inches (190 cm)
- Weight: 178 pounds (81 kg)
- Wingspan: 6 feet 4 inches
- Shoe Size: Size 12 (US)
- Position: Shooting Guard
- Jersey Number: 22
- High School: Glenn High School, Birmingham, Alabama
- College: University of Southwestern Louisiana (now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette)
- NBA Draft: Selected by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1st round (8th overall) of the 1980 NBA Draft
- Professional Team: Philadelphia 76ers (1980–1988)
- Career Highlights:
- NBA Champion (1983)
- Two-time NBA All-Star (1983, 1984)
- Known as “The Boston Strangler” for his exceptional performances against the Boston Celtics
- Championship Rings: One (1983)
- Children: Son, Channing Toney, who played NCAA Division I basketball at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and had a professional career in Europe.
- Siblings: Information not publicly available
Player Archetype / Play Style
Andrew Toney’s player archetype was that of a pure scoring guard, a compact but highly skilled backcourt shot-maker who could bend defenses with pull-up scoring, tough shot creation, and controlled drives. At 6-foot-3 and 178 pounds, he did not overwhelm opponents with size, but he paired solid guard strength with balance, touch, and enough burst to operate as one of Philadelphia’s main offensive weapons during its early-1980s peak. Offensively, Toney functioned as a lead scorer from the two-guard spot, capable of shooting from range, attacking off the wing, and creating difficult baskets in half-court settings, while defensively he fit more as a competitive, sturdy guard defender than as a pure stopper, relying on positioning and toughness instead of standout length. His overall play style was smooth, efficient, and ruthless as a scorer, which is a big part of why he became such a feared playoff weapon and a central piece of the 1983 championship Sixers. (NBA)
Fun Facts
- “The Boston Strangler”: Toney earned this nickname for his clutch performances against the Boston Celtics, particularly in playoff matchups.
- Scoring Ability: Renowned for his deadly mid-range shooting and ability to perform under pressure.
- Injuries: Persistent foot injuries shortened his NBA career, limiting his playing time and post-retirement activities.
- Honors:
- 2× NBA All-Star (1982, 1983)
- Played a key role in the 76ers’ 1983 championship, teaming with Julius Erving, Moses Malone, and Maurice Cheeks.
- Post-Retirement: Toney has kept a relatively low profile since retiring, focusing on private life and staying out of the public spotlight.
Sources:
NBA.com — Andrew Toney | Guard | Philadelphia 76ers
Wikipedia — Andrew Toney
NBA.com — NBA at 50: Top 10 Teams
The Philadelphia Inquirer — Sixers legends reflect on famous ‘Beat L.A.’ chant 40 years later
Los Angeles Times — Hall of Fame value: Why Michael Cooper finally made it to Springfield