In a move that is sure to excite Sacramento basketball fans, Mike Bibby, a 14-year NBA veteran and former Sacramento Kings star, has officially agreed to become the next men’s basketball head coach at Sacramento State University. This marks a new chapter in both Bibby’s coaching career and in the history of the Sacramento State basketball program.
Bibby, who played 14 seasons in the NBA with teams like the Sacramento Kings, Washington Wizards, and Miami Heat, is no stranger to the city of Sacramento, where he became a fan favorite during his time with the Kings. Known for his calm demeanor, clutch performances, and leadership on the court, Bibby helped elevate the Kings into one of the top teams in the Western Conference during the early 2000s. His legendary partnership with fellow stars like Chris Webber, Peja Stojaković, and Vlade Divac made the Kings a perennial playoff contender, and their close-knit team chemistry endeared them to the city.
Bibby’s tenure with the Kings lasted from 1998 to 2008, where he became an integral part of the team’s rise to prominence, particularly during the 2001-2002 NBA season when the Kings came within a hair’s breadth of reaching the NBA Finals. Bibby’s playoff performances, highlighted by his clutch shooting and poised playmaking, made him one of the most respected point guards in the league. Even after his departure from Sacramento, Bibby’s legacy in the city remained strong, with fans continuously praising his contributions to the Kings’ most successful era.
Now, with his playing days behind him, Bibby is ready to take the reins as a coach at the collegiate level. His hiring as the new head coach of the Sacramento State Hornets basketball team comes after a thorough search and is a sign of the school’s commitment to building a competitive program. Bibby’s extensive playing experience and deep knowledge of the game will be invaluable assets as he takes over the Hornets.
“I’m beyond excited to return to Sacramento and lead the men’s basketball team at Sacramento State,” Bibby said in a statement after the announcement. “The city and the community have always been home to me, and I’m eager to give back to the sport and help these young athletes reach their full potential. This is an incredible opportunity, and I look forward to building a winning culture here at Sacramento State.”
Bibby’s hiring has already generated a buzz around the Hornets’ basketball program. He brings a wealth of basketball knowledge and a competitive spirit that will undoubtedly resonate with the players. Many expect Bibby to use his NBA experiences to teach players not only the technical aspects of the game but also the mental fortitude needed to succeed at the highest levels of competition.
In addition to his playing career, Bibby has dabbled in coaching at various levels, which includes stints as an assistant coach and working with younger players through personal training and mentoring. His deep understanding of the game, combined with his strong ties to the Sacramento area, makes him an ideal fit for this new role.
As the Sacramento State basketball program looks to elevate its standing within the NCAA, Bibby’s arrival is a shot in the arm for the team and for the university’s athletic department. The Hornets will be looking to build on this momentum and become a consistent contender in the Big Sky Conference under Bibby’s guidance.
For Sacramento basketball fans, this is an exciting new chapter, and the city will undoubtedly be watching closely as Mike Bibby takes the next step in his basketball journey as a coach.
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