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Forbes
05-04-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
Matas Buzelis Gives The Chicago Bulls Hope
The Chicago Bulls have not had much to be joyous about in recent seasons. They have missed the playoffs multiple seasons in a row, and they have had to tear down a team they once thought could compete at the top of the NBA. But through this turmoil there has been a bright spot in the windy city. Matas Buzelis, the 11th overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft, has provided Bulls fans with a glimmer of hope for the future of the team. The G-League Ignite product has shown tremendous potential this season, notably as an on ball creator. Buzelis falling to 11 in the draft is looking like a blessing in disguise for Chicago, as he has been very impressive thus far in his NBA career. Earlier in the season, Buzelis was not getting anywhere near the amount of opportunity or playing time that he gets currently, which in retrospect looks like a mistake. Chicago was still trying to compete with Zach LaVine at the helm earlier this season, which meant that they were not exactly jumping at the chance to have a rookie on the floor for extended periods. Pre All-Star break, Buzelis only started in 4 games and came off the bench in the other 49 games. He also only averaged 14.8 minutes per game pre All-Star break, which really limited his chances to prove himself. Although his minutes were limited in this segment, there were small signs that he could do more if given the chance to. In his 4 starts pre All-Star break Buzelis averaged 25.9 minutes per game, and 13 .3 points per game on 51 percent shooting in those starts as well. Post All-Star break is where Buzelis has begun to truly showcase his talents. Post All-Star break Buzelis was inserted into the starting lineup full time, and in these 22 games he has posted averages of 12.6 points per game, and 4.9 rebounds per game while shooting 45 percent from the field. What pops out the most about Buzelis' game is how comfortable he looks as an on-ball driver. The 6'10 209 lb forward has very tight ball handling for a player of his size. Numerous times this season Buzelis has pulled out a sequence of moves en route to the rim that make you sit back in awe. His finishing skills are also quite strong for a rookie, he has many different gather moves in his arsenal, his pace control on drives are strong, and his leaping ability can not be questioned as well. Buzelis' athleticism is also one of the first things that stand out when you watch him play. The Chicago Bulls' scheme of playing with a high pace and getting in transition as much as possible directly compliment Buzelis's skills, as he is a more than willing lane filler in transition, and more often than not he finishes at the cup with authority. Buzelis' athleticism allows him to be a strong cutter as well, often slipping backdoor to be found on alley oop attempts or regular finishes as well. Post All-Star break, Buzelis is averaging 4.6 drives per game, which was nearly double his drives per game pre All-Star break. On these drives he is shooting 46.7 percent from the field as well. Here, Buzelis catches the ball and attacks Cade Cunningham on a closeout and when he draws nail help on his drive what he does next is great. With Jalen Duren helping at the nail, Buzelis does a decel euro step away from Duren and then gets the layup to go off the glass. Movement skills like these make watching Buzelis a treat, night in and night out. Buzelis shows off guard-like handles here with a sudden hesitation move that flowed seamlessly into a crossover. Then once again he showed a strong finishing move, and used his inside hand to get the layup on the glass before Precious Achiuwa could get to his shot. Plays like these, where Buzelis looks so comfortable as a ball handler, are very encouraging. Here, in semi-transition, Buzelis is bringing the ball up the floor, and with nobody in the paint for the Phoenix Suns he decides to attack the rim. With a beautiful sweeping high pickup, he beats his primary defender and frees himself up for a wide open rim attempt. Buzelis has put together a nice sample size of good games, where his on ball creativity, driving, and effectiveness leave NBA fans with the impression that he will only get better from here. With more opportunity in his future he should be able to grow into an outstanding player in this league.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Mike Bibby is already bringing in former NBA players' sons as he begins rebuilding Sacramento State
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Mike Bibby and Shaquille O'Neal are going to be mixing it up again, all these years later. No more Kings-Lakers rivalry or on-court trash talk. Now, it's Bibby the college coach and O'Neal the student-athlete father. Good thing they get along great these days — because Shaq's son, Shaqir, verbally committed to play for Bibby in the former Kings star's new position as head coach at Sacramento State. 'Me and Shaq have a good relationship. It probably wasn't good when we were playing against each other,' Bibby said with a grin when formally introduced at the school Tuesday. 'There was a lot of try to get a rivalry going, try to make it big time in the league.' Don't be surprised if more NBA players' sons wind up in California's capital with one of the most beloved stars to come through the Sacramento franchise. Bibby's phone hasn't stopped ringing since he was hired last week to take over the program. He doesn't even have time anymore to take his daily naps. The 46-year-old Bibby is ready to lead the Hornets back into contention in the Big Sky Conference right away after they finished 7-25 last season. 'How awesome is this, look at our new head coach,' athletic director Mark Orr said. 'Today's introduction of Coach Bibby marks a successful turn of events here at Sacramento State over the last couple years. Our university is certainly on the rise.' Bibby retired in 2012 and has had various coaching jobs since. He won five state titles and coached 25 players who received college scholarships in six seasons as coach at Shadow Mountain High School in Phoenix. He also has been an assistant for the Puerto Rican National Team, summer league teams for Cleveland and Memphis, and the NBA G-League Ignite. 'Mike isn't just a basketball legend, he's a Sacramento legend,' Sacramento State President Dr. Luke Wood said. "The city embraced him during his NBA years and he's returning that love by choosing to lead our program. He understands the spirit of this place, the grit, the underdog mentality, the pride and determination and he's ready to build something that's special right here at Sacramento State. With Coach Bibby at the helm we are raising the bar.' Orr said he received inquiries about the job from NBA-level coaches on down, 'and I kept coming back to one of the greatest basketball minds that this city has ever seen. He loves this community and wants to be here.' And Bibby wants to leave a lasting mark and build something special here. He knows the student-athletes will look to him as an example of someone who has been at the top. 'I'm not satisfied with just being here. I don't want to let the city down and I'm going to do my hardest not to," Bibby said. "These kids are trying to get to where I've been, and why not get it from someone that's been there before?' Bibby won an NCAA championship as a player at Arizona in 1997 and then starred in the NBA for 14 seasons, with his most successful stint coming during seven seasons with the Kings. He helped Sacramento reach Game 7 of the 2002 Western Conference Finals before losing to O'Neal and the Los Angeles Lakers. Bibby's players can't wait to get going. 'He's a legend, and I think the city needs somebody that's going to reflect it culturally,' senior guard EJ Neal said. 'He's an icon in Sacramento.' Bibby is ready to teach — 'Everything has to be precise. We do it hard or we do it again." He plans to schedule top non-conference opponents — 'They'll overlook us.' He has no doubt the Hornets will win immediately — 'I have plans of taking this conference by storm.' '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,' senior forward Jalen Pitre said. Even with all of that confidence and swag, Bibby was clearly a bit emotional and overcome by this full-circle moment. 'I'm lost for words right now, I'm nervous as you guys can tell,' Bibby said. 'I'm just ready, I've been ready for this for a long time.' ___ AP March Madness bracket: and coverage: Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. Janie Mccauley, The Associated Press
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Mike Bibby is already bringing in former NBA players' sons as he begins rebuilding Sacramento State
Mike Bibby is already bringing in former NBA players' sons as he begins rebuilding Sacramento State FILE - Sacramento Kings guard Mike Bibby stands on the court as time runs out during an NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets, on April 4, 2007, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File) Mike Bibby, center, is introduced as the new head basketball coach of Sacramento State during an NCAA college basketball press conference, Tuesday, April 1, 2025 in Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Janie McCauley) Mike Bibby, center, is introduced as the new head basketball coach of Sacramento State during an NCAA college basketball press conference, Tuesday, April 1, 2025 in Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Janie McCauley) FILE - Sacramento Kings guard Mike Bibby stands on the court as time runs out during an NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets, on April 4, 2007, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File) Mike Bibby, center, is introduced as the new head basketball coach of Sacramento State during an NCAA college basketball press conference, Tuesday, April 1, 2025 in Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Janie McCauley) SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Mike Bibby and Shaquille O'Neal are going to be mixing it up again, all these years later. No more Kings-Lakers rivalry or on-court trash talk. Now, it's Bibby the college coach and O'Neal the student-athlete father. Advertisement Good thing they get along great these days — because Shaq's son, Shaqir, verbally committed to play for Bibby in the former Kings star's new position as head coach at Sacramento State. 'Me and Shaq have a good relationship. It probably wasn't good when we were playing against each other,' Bibby said with a grin when formally introduced at the school Tuesday. 'There was a lot of try to get a rivalry going, try to make it big time in the league.' Don't be surprised if more NBA players' sons wind up in California's capital with one of the most beloved stars to come through the Sacramento franchise. Bibby's phone hasn't stopped ringing since he was hired last week to take over the program. He doesn't even have time anymore to take his daily naps. The 46-year-old Bibby is ready to lead the Hornets back into contention in the Big Sky Conference right away after they finished 7-25 last season. Advertisement 'How awesome is this, look at our new head coach,' athletic director Mark Orr said. 'Today's introduction of Coach Bibby marks a successful turn of events here at Sacramento State over the last couple years. Our university is certainly on the rise.' Bibby retired in 2012 and has had various coaching jobs since. He won five state titles and coached 25 players who received college scholarships in six seasons as coach at Shadow Mountain High School in Phoenix. He also has been an assistant for the Puerto Rican National Team, summer league teams for Cleveland and Memphis, and the NBA G-League Ignite. 'Mike isn't just a basketball legend, he's a Sacramento legend,' Sacramento State President Dr. Luke Wood said. "The city embraced him during his NBA years and he's returning that love by choosing to lead our program. He understands the spirit of this place, the grit, the underdog mentality, the pride and determination and he's ready to build something that's special right here at Sacramento State. With Coach Bibby at the helm we are raising the bar.' Orr said he received inquiries about the job from NBA-level coaches on down, 'and I kept coming back to one of the greatest basketball minds that this city has ever seen. He loves this community and wants to be here.' Advertisement And Bibby wants to leave a lasting mark and build something special here. He knows the student-athletes will look to him as an example of someone who has been at the top. 'I'm not satisfied with just being here. I don't want to let the city down and I'm going to do my hardest not to," Bibby said. "These kids are trying to get to where I've been, and why not get it from someone that's been there before?' Bibby won an NCAA championship as a player at Arizona in 1997 and then starred in the NBA for 14 seasons, with his most successful stint coming during seven seasons with the Kings. He helped Sacramento reach Game 7 of the 2002 Western Conference Finals before losing to O'Neal and the Los Angeles Lakers. Bibby's players can't wait to get going. Advertisement 'He's a legend, and I think the city needs somebody that's going to reflect it culturally,' senior guard EJ Neal said. 'He's an icon in Sacramento.' Bibby is ready to teach — 'Everything has to be precise. We do it hard or we do it again." He plans to schedule top non-conference opponents — 'They'll overlook us.' He has no doubt the Hornets will win immediately — 'I have plans of taking this conference by storm.' '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,' senior forward Jalen Pitre said. Advertisement Even with all of that confidence and swag, Bibby was clearly a bit emotional and overcome by this full-circle moment. 'I'm lost for words right now, I'm nervous as you guys can tell,' Bibby said. 'I'm just ready, I've been ready for this for a long time.' ___ AP March Madness bracket: and coverage: Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here.
Associated Press
25-03-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Sacramento State hires former NBA star Mike Bibby as new basketball coach
Former Sacramento Kings star Mike Bibby was hired to take over the struggling basketball team at Sacramento State. Athletic director Mark Orr announced the move on Tuesday, saying he believed that Bibby can help generate excitement for the program. 'Since 2001, Sacramento has felt like home to me,' Bibby said in a statement. 'The people, the fans and the passion they have for the city and their teams is unmatched. I have always felt that passion, and will always be thankful for how I was embraced. Sacramento State is no different. ... We are going to build, we are going to develop, and we are going to win.' Bibby won an NCAA title as a player at Arizona in 1997 and then starred in the NBA for 14 seasons, with his biggest success coming in seven seasons with the Kings. He helped Sacramento make it to Game 7 of the 2002 Western Conference Finals before losing to the Los Angeles Lakers. Bibby retired in 2012 and has had various coaching jobs since. He won five state titles and coached 25 players who received college scholarships in six seasons as coach at Shadow Mountain High School in Phoenix. He also has been an assistant for the Puerto Rican National Team, summer league teams for Cleveland and Memphis, and the NBA G-League Ignite. Sacramento State has been looking to increase its profile in college athletics with hopes of being able to move from the FCS level of college football to the FBS level and a spot in a bigger conference such as the Mountain West or even a newly formed Pac-12. The Hornets are currently a member of the Big Sky. The move to hire Bibby is part of that effort as he will try to revive a struggling program. The Hornets went 7-25 this season under interim coach Michael Czepil, who was promoted last spring after David Patrick left to take a job as associate head coach at LSU. Sacramento State had gone 28-42 in two seasons under Patrick and the program has never made an NCAA Tournament since moving up to Division I in 1991-92. The Hornets have had a winning record only twice since then, going 16-14 in 2019-20 and 21-12 in 2014-15. 'Mike Bibby's basketball expertise, love for Sacramento, and passion for developing student-athletes perfectly align with our goals for Hornet basketball,' Sacramento State President Luke Wood said. 'His leadership and vision will elevate our program to new heights and inspire our community to rally behind Sac State basketball.'
