Mike Bibby takes the helm as Sacramento State's basketball coach

In recent developments, Mike Bibby has been appointed as the head coach of the basketball team at Sacramento State. This announcement follows a series of negotiations that were finalized just days before the official statement. Bibby, who is famous for his standout career in the NBA, particularly with the Sacramento Kings, is joining the coaching staff at his alma mater as part of an effort to improve the university's overall athletic profile. Sacramento State is also looking to elevate its football program and facilities to compete at a higher level within collegiate athletics. Mike Bibby’s coaching experience is rooted primarily in high school; he coached at Shadow Mountain High School for six years, achieving notable successes. However, this position marks his first endeavor at the collegiate level after a distinction-laden playing career that includes an NCAA Championship win with Arizona in 1997 and 14 seasons in the NBA. His tenure in the NBA was significant, with his time in Sacramento highlighted by reaching the Western Conference Finals in 2002, an event that remains a celebrated chapter in Kings history. Sacramento State's basketball program has faced challenges in recent years, with the team compiling a disappointing record in the previous season. The hiring of Bibby is part of a broader initiative to reinvigorate the struggling program, which has struggled to find consistent success since making the transition to Division I in 1991. Despite some recent improvements, including two winning seasons over the past decade, the Hornets have not made an NCAA Tournament appearance. This strategic move comes as Sacramento State explores the potential for upgrading its athletic programs, particularly as it seeks to transition its football team to the Football Bowl Subdivision—a leap that would position them alongside stronger collegiate conferences. The school's administration is actively investing in its facilities, with basketball-specific improvements slated for completion ahead of the next season. Within this context, Mike Bibby's hiring could signal a new era for Sac State basketball as the university aims to enhance its competitive edge both on the court and in recruiting top talents.