Latest news with #MikeBibby
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Sacramento State to join Big West in 2026 in all sports except football
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, File0 Sacramento State will join the Big West conference as a full member starting with the 2026-27 academic year. Sacramento State informed the Big Sky on Wednesday that it will leave the conference after this year and the Big West announced that the school will become the 12th school in the conference. Advertisement 'The Big West membership and conference staff are excited to welcome Sacramento State to The Big West,' commissioner Dan Butterly said in a statement. 'In addition to strengthening The Big West competitively and expanding our geographic footprint, Sacramento State is a staunch advocate for excellence in academics, athletics and service within their community. The new look Big West promises to bring a new level of competition and friendly rivalry for student-athletes and fans alike.' The Big West doesn't sponsor football so Sacramento State's program will be an independent in that sport. The Hornets are trying to move up from FCS level to FBS as an independent and are awaiting a ruling next week from the NCAA Division I Council. The FBS Oversight Committee recommended against the move earlier this week, citing the 'paramount importance' of having an invitation to join an FBS conference. The NCAA had previously granted a waiver to Liberty in 2017 to move to FBS as an independent but said the circumstances have changed since then. The Flames were an independent in football from 2018-22 before joining Conference USA. Advertisement 'Although a waiver of the bona fide invitation requirement was granted in 2017, that decision was made in a different era, under a different set of facts and rules ...,' the committee recommended, according to public meeting minutes. "Due to the significance of the bona fide invitation from an FBS conference requirement and the lack of compelling mitigation explaining why that requirement, one that several other FCS institutions have met in recent years, has not been met, the committee does not support relief.' Sacramento State said the school will consider all conference options for football if the council votes against its application. Sacramento State had been an affiliate member of the Big West in various sports in the past but now will have 16 teams competing in the Big West starting in 2026-27. "We are thrilled to become a full member of The Big West and are grateful for the invitation,' athletic director Mark Orr said. 'Sacramento State strives to provide our student-athletes the opportunity to be in the best position to be nationally competitive, and The Big West for decades has been a conference that has enjoyed national success in several sports. We are eager to compete for championships, enhance existing rivalries, and develop new relationships with our peer conference members." Advertisement The Hornets will officially join The Big West on July 1, 2026, joining a lineup that includes California Baptist, Cal Poly, Cal State Bakersfield, Cal State Fullerton, Long Beach State, CSUN, UC Irvine, UC Riverside, UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara, and Utah Valley. The Big West has no current plans to expand beyond 12-member institutions. The Hornets have made a big investment in the men's basketball program recently, hiring former NBA star Mike Bibby as head coach and Shaquille O'Neal as a voluntary GM for the program. Sacramento State went 7-25 last 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. Advertisement The Hornets 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. ___ AP sports:
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lakers fans will mock Mike Bibby's 2002 Western Conference Finals claims
The post Lakers fans will mock Mike Bibby's 2002 Western Conference Finals claims appeared first on ClutchPoints. Over two decades after the contentious 2002 Western Conference Finals between the Sacramento Kings and the Los Angeles Lakers, Mike Bibby has revisited the series on his podcast, reigniting one of the most polarizing debates in NBA playoff history. But his emotional recollections are likely to be met with ridicule from Lakers fans who remain steadfast in the legitimacy of their team's championship run. Advertisement During a recent episode of the Straight Game Podcast with co-hosts Eddie House and Ty Ellis, Bibby reflected on the series that many consider one of the most controversial in league history. He claimed the Kings were on the verge of celebrating a Western Conference title and that the series was effectively stolen from them. 'We like they were getting our champagne ready in the locker room to celebrate winning the Western Conference and you know we kind of sh*t the bed,' Bibby said. 'I still, the Robert Horry shot… I still can't watch it.' Mike Bibby recalls missed chances, Game 7 collapse, and rare postgame interview with Kobe Bryant Bibby referred to Game 4 of the series, where Horry hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer that tied the series 2-2. The Kings had led the game late, and Horry's shot shifted the momentum back to the Lakers. Advertisement 'That was our championship and we went to game seven. It just shows you that we are a better team,' Bibby continued. 'If you watch some of those highlights, you could see like Shaq's face, Kobe's face, rest in peace, they're like it's over.' The Kings lost Game 7 at home in overtime after shooting just 2-for-13 from beyond the arc and missing 14 free throws. Bibby acknowledged their struggles, saying, 'We kind of sh*t the bed in Game 7… under 50% from the free throw line.' He also recalled the postgame interview that featured both him and Kobe Bryant, expressing surprise that a losing player would be asked to speak alongside the series victor. Kings' lingering frustration over 2002 WCF clash meets firm pushback from Lakers fans Bibby's retelling reflects a broader sentiment among Sacramento fans that the series was marred by poor officiating. Game 6 of the 2002 Western Conference Finals remains a flashpoint in NBA history, with widespread criticism of the officiating. The Lakers attempted 40 free throws to Sacramento's 25, including a 27-9 disparity in the fourth quarter alone. Former referee Tim Donaghy, who was later imprisoned for his role in a betting scandal, alleged that the game was manipulated to force a Game 7. Advertisement Despite the controversy, the Lakers went on to win the series and complete a three-peat by defeating the New Jersey Nets in the NBA Finals. To many Los Angeles fans, the Kings' complaints amount to little more than excuses for a team that couldn't finish the job at home in Game 7. Bibby's remarks are unlikely to shift public perception in Los Angeles. For Lakers fans, the 2002 run remains a symbol of dominance during the Shaq-Kobe era — while Sacramento's continued grievances are seen as the echoes of a dynasty that never was. Related: Key LeBron James, Luka Doncic Lakers teammate undergoes surgery Related: Stephen A. Smith calls out Lakers' Luka Doncic for 'lacking leadership'
Newsweek
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Former Lakers Rival Earns Surprising Amount as College Coach
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Former NBA star guard Mike Bibby recently took on a new role as the head basketball coach for the men's team at Sacramento State. This will be the second head coaching job for Bibby, as he had previously spent time at his old high school, Shadow Mountain High School in Phoenix. More NBA news: Timberwolves Reveal Big Injury Update on Anthony Edwards Sacramento State will pay the former NBA star $521,004 per year, as part of a five-year contract. This number is a little higher than the original number that was expected, $470,000. The two sides negotiated the price of his deal after Bibby accepted the role. Sacramento State is now looking to heavily compete in the Big Sky Conference, with Bibby playing a massive role in that. According to Sportico, Bibby will receive $300,000 in base salary, $200,004 in supplement compensation and talent fees, and a $21,000 yearly retention bonus. The former star is also eligible to earn up to $335,000 in performance and academic bonuses. In addition to Bibby, Sacramento State also added former NBA star Shaquille O'Neal to take over as the general manager of basketball operations. SACRAMENTO, CA - NOVEMBER 19: Peja Stojakovic #16 of the Sacramento Kings stands next to his teammates Chris Webber #4 and Mike Bibby #10 during the game against the Memphis Gizzlies at Arco Arena on... SACRAMENTO, CA - NOVEMBER 19: Peja Stojakovic #16 of the Sacramento Kings stands next to his teammates Chris Webber #4 and Mike Bibby #10 during the game against the Memphis Gizzlies at Arco Arena on November 19, 2004 in Sacramento, California. More Photo byBibby was the former No. 2 overall pick in the 1998 NBA draft, being selected by the Vancouver Grizzlies. The guard was traded to the Sacramento Kings, and his career fully took off. As a member of the Kings, Bibby averaged 17.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, while shooting 43.9 percent from the field. In his career, Bibby averaged 14.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game over 1001 games. More news: Drake Claims Michael Jordan Lost $20K on Ping Pong Because He Couldn't Stop Gambling Bibby was an instrumental part of the Kings' success in the early 2000s, helping them get to the Western Conference Finals one year. Sacramento and the Los Angeles Lakers were bitter rivals during this time, and Bibby became a thorn in the side of almost every team he faced off against. Bibby was one of the better point guards during the prime of his career, and the Kings were a legitimate title contender because of it. The veteran guard also spent time in his career playing for the Atlanta Hawks, Washington Wizards, Miami Heat, and New York Knicks. More NBA news: NBA Makes Decision on Punishment for Pacers Star Tyrese Haliburton After Wild Post-Win Celebration Steph Curry Reacts to Facing Anthony Edwards Ahead of Warriors-Timberwolves Series Warriors' Jimmy Butler Issues Concerning Message About Injury Status For more Kings, NBA news, and rumors, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Shaquille O'Neal to join Mike Bibby's staff at Sacramento State as voluntary general manager
Mike Bibby was hired at Sacramento State earlier this year in what will be his first coaching job at the college level Shaquille O'Neal's son, Shaqir O'Neal, is set to transfer into Sac State, too. () Shaquille O'Neal is following his son to college. Shaq has agreed to become the general manager of the men's basketball program at Sacramento State, ESPN's Shams Charania reported on Monday night. The roll will be a voluntary one for Shaq. Shaquille O'Neal has agreed to become the men's basketball general manager of Sacramento State, sources tell ESPN. It will be a voluntary role for Shaq, whose son, Shaqir O'Neal, also plays for Sac State under Mike Bibby. Shaq and Bibby form a star duo as college GM and coach. — Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 29, 2025 Shaq will join Mike Bibby, who was hired as the program's next head coach earlier this year, at Sac State. Bibby, who spent half of his NBA career playing for the Sacramento Kings, will take over in what will be his first college head coaching job. He recently helped lead his former high school in Arizona to five state titles. Bibby and Shaq will attempt to turn the Hornets program around. The school is set to open a new basketball facility on campus next fall, though the Hornets have had just two winning seasons since they started playing in 1991. They have yet to make the NCAA tournament, and Bibby will be the fifth head coach in the last six seasons. Shaq's son, Shaqir O'Neal, has committed to play for Bibby next year. Shaqir spent last season at Florida A&M, where he averaged 6.7 points and 3.2 rebounds per game. The 21-year-old spent three seasons at Texas Southern before that, too. Then on Tuesday, the Hornets landed UCF transfer and former high school star Mikey Williams, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Williams was a social media sensation throughout high school and landed a massive endorsement deal from Puma, but he largely fell off after facing a legal battle following a shooting at his San Diego home in 2023. He later reached a plea deal. He averaged 5.1 points while playing 14 minutes per game last season at UCF. Bibby and Shaq never played with each other in the league, though they squared off plenty of times throughout their careers. Shaq is the latest NBA player to agree to work as a general manager at the college level. Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry will be the assistant general manager at Davidson, and Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young is doing the same at Oklahoma. Shaq played in the league from 1992-2011. The Hall of Famer is currently working as an analyst at TNT on "Inside the NBA."
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.
