Former NBA star and Arizona high school basketball legend Mike Bibby has been named as the new Head Coach of the Sacramento State men’s basketball program, marking a major moment for both Bibby and the Hornets’ program.
Bibby brings a winning pedigree to Sacramento State, having carved out success at every level of the game. A superstar performer at Shadow Mountain High School, Bibby earned Mr. Basketball USA honors in 1996 and led his team to a state championship. He went on to star at the University of Arizona, where he helped the Wildcats win the 1997 NCAA National Championship as a freshman. Bibby was named Pac-10 Player of the Year in 1998, before being selected as the No. 2 overall pick in the 1998 NBA Draft.
His NBA career spanned (14) seasons, with Bibby being best known for his time with the Sacramento Kings (NBA), where he averaged 14.7 points and 5.5 assists per game. He was a key piece of the Kings’ memorable 2002 run to the Western Conference Finals, earning a reputation as one of the most clutch point guards in the league. Bibby’s connection to the city of Sacramento runs deep.
“Since 2001, Sacramento has felt like home to me,” Bibby said in his official announcement. “The people, the fans, and the passion they have for the city and their teams is unmatched.”
After retiring from the NBA, Bibby returned to his Arizona roots, becoming head coach at Shadow Mountain, where he built a dominant high school program. Under his leadership, the Matadors won an amazing (5) state championships - going 123-9 during his tenure. His teams played with intensity, discipline, and confidence—qualities he’s now looking to bring to Sacramento State.
“We are going to build, we are going to develop, and we are going to win,” Bibby said of his vision for the Hornets.
Bibby’s hire brings excitement and renewed energy to a program looking to take the next step in the Big Sky Conference. With his basketball IQ, championship experience and deep ties to both Arizona, Sacramento, and his very strong relationships around the country, Bibby is poised to make an immediate and large impact at his new program.
