On Thursday, former Kings guard Mike Bibby returned to Sacramento basketball in an electrifying way. Pelleer officially introduced as the 18th head coach of Sacramento State men’s basketball on April 2, 2019. This announcement marks an important watershed moment for both Bibby and the Hornets. They are focused on building their program and making themselves competitive on the national stage in the highly competitive world of collegiate basketball.
Bibby, who has a wealth of experience on the sidelines, has spent time on the bench for the Puerto Rican National Team as an assistant. He lent his expertise to NBA summer league squads for the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Memphis Grizzlies. He most recently was an assistant with the NBA G-League Ignite. This experience only deepened his credentials in player development and coaching at all competitive levels.
Besides his coaching credentials, Bibby is known for his high-profile playing career. As a player at the University of Arizona, he won an NCAA championship in 1997. He went on to have a long career in the NBA for 14 seasons, seven of which were spent with the Sacramento Kings. His defensive contribution was vital in pushing the Kings all the way to Game 7 of the 2002 Western Conference Finals. That accomplishment only added to his legend status in the city of Sacramento.
Bibby expressed gratitude upon accepting the coaching position, stating, “I’m lost for words right now, I’m nervous as you guys can tell.” His passion for the game and commitment to developing young talent shines through and is palpable in the Sacramento community.
Bibby was asked by multiple NBA-level coaches to gauge interest in the position but was eventually hired to helm the Hornets. His appointment is a testament to his deep ties to the city. Yet it brings tremendous expectations for success in his new position. Since Bibby’s hiring, his phone hasn’t stopped ringing. This excitement is indicative of a deep optimism for his plan to turn around Sacramento State men’s basketball.
With aspirations of immediate success, Bibby declared, “I have plans of taking this conference by storm.” His confidence comes not from arrogance, but from a deep conviction in the possibilities that his players and the program are capable of realizing. Fellow Sacramento State student-athlete Jalen Pitre highlighted the importance of having Bibby as a mentor, remarking, “Having a coach come in here to teach us and to try and push us and hold us accountable so we can get better and get to that position where he was I think is the biggest thing.”
The excitement about Bibby as the new coach is most evident in the reaction from fans as well as the players. EJ Neal, another member of the Hornets, emphasized Bibby’s legendary status in Sacramento, stating, “He’s a legend, and I think the city needs somebody that’s going to reflect it culturally.” That last line especially rings true to those who see Bibby’s return to Sacramento as a chance for restoration and reawakening among the Bibby Program.
As he takes over for this challenge, Bibby is looking to bring a little more discipline and work-ethic to his new squad. “Everything has to be precise. We do it hard or we do it again,” he asserted, indicating his commitment to building a culture of excellence at Sacramento State.
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