Mike Bibby speaks for the first time as Sacramento State head coach

Mike Bibby took the stage at Sacramento State this week as the university introduced him as the next head coach of the men’s basketball program.

Bibby, a longtime member of the Sacramento Kings from 2001-2008, took the stage with Sacramento State President Dr. Luke Wood and Athletic Director Mark Orr for an introduction that ushered in a new era of Hornets basketball.

“Today is a defining moment for Sacramento State and the city of Sacramento,” Wood said. “Mike Bibby is a name that resonates with every level of basketball… Mike isn’t just a basketball legend, he’s a Sacramento legend. He understands the spirit of this place.”

Following opening remarks from Wood and Orr, Bibby took to the podium after holding up a green-and-gold number 10 Hornets jersey.

“I’ve been coaching my son since he was nine years old, and I never thought that it would come this far,” Bibby said. “Ever since then, the passion that I have to teach kids, get them to be better players, better human beings, has always been in my heart. Coming back to Sacramento to start my second career means the most to me.”

Bibby hopes to turn the page on a rough 2024-25 season for Sacramento State and bump up recruiting efforts ahead of the 2025-26 campaign–and he’s ready for that challenge.

“Broad recruiting. We’re going to try to get the best kids we can here to change the culture. I’m just ready. I’ve been ready for this for a long time.”

You can listen to Mike Bibby’s entire introductory press conference below:

Bibby joined The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross shortly following the report that he would be joining Sacramento State, to speak about his new role. You can listen to that interview by clicking here.

More on new Sacramento State head coach Mike Bibby

Another beloved 2001-02 Sacramento Kings team member has received a head coaching gig in Sacramento.

Bibby, 46, was most recently a broadcaster for NBC Sports California, where he provided analysis for pregame and postgame Sacramento Kings coverage.

Mike Bibby, a 14-year NBA veteran, had been searching for his next coaching opportunity following six years as a head coach at Shadow Mountain High School in Phoenix, Arizona.

The former Kings guard led Shadow Mountain to four straight state championships, winning a total of five over his six-year run during the 2013 through 2019 seasons.

Sacramento State is fresh off a 7-25 season that saw them finish last in the Big Sky Conference.

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As the Hornets continue to strive towards becoming an FBS school, adding a big name like Bibby could help the school’s chances to join the Mountain West Conference in the coming years while also upping their recruitment efforts to get back into the mix at the top of the Big Sky Conference.

Upcoming schedule for the 2024-25 Sacramento Kings

• Wednesday, April 2nd – @ Washington Wizards – 4:00 PM PT
• Friday, April 4th – @ Charlotte Hornets – 4:00 PM PT
• Sunday, April 6th – @ Cleveland Cavaliers – 3:00 PM PT
• Monday, April 7th – @ Detroit Pistons– 4:00 PM PT
• Wednesday, April 9th – vs. Denver Nuggets – 7:00 PM PT

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Frankie Cartoscelli Lead Editor & Kings Beat Writer

Author Name: Franklin Cartoscelli Bio: Franklin 'Frankie' Cartoscelli is Sactown Sports 1140's Lead Editor, Sacramento Kings beat writer and co-host of the Return of the Roar podcast. Professional Background: Worked in professional sports… Read more