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http://www.nba.com/kings/features/Leader_of_the_Pack-199129-58.html
Leader of the Pack
Veteran Guard Mike Bibby is Ready to Take Charge
By David A. Riggs, FANFARE Magazine
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Although there’s a new coaching staff directing the Kings this season, the team can take comfort in knowing there is consistency and continuity in the leadership on the court. Under the cool, stable, and reliable guidance of Mike Bibby, the Kings enter the new season with expectations of playing well and succeeding as a team.
But to succeed as a team, the Kings need leadership on the floor. Entering his sixth year in a Kings uniform, Mike Bibby continues to be that leader. As a point guard, Bibby sees the game develop in front of him. He must read the floor and set the plays. He knows what’s working and what to avoid.
Although unofficially part of his job description, it is simply the way Bibby plays the game. “I’ve always been a leader, I’ve always taken charge,” he stated. “That’s just the way I play the game.” Even though it’s a natural role for him, it’s a role to which he has ascended rather quietly. Bibby respected previous leaders on the team, but knew when it was his time to step forward. “The last couple of years I’ve felt like the leader of this team,” he noted. “When Webb and Vlade were here, they were the leaders. When they left, I stepped into that role.”
Bibby’s calm demeanor on the floor belies his passion for the game, his desire to succeed. Indeed, his composure contradicts his competitive spirit. “I don’t get in anyone’s face,” he explained, when talking about a player who could have done something different on a certain play. “But I will pull them aside later and talk to them.”
His teammates, especially the younger players, know Bibby has the skills to help this team, as well as the skills to help them get better.
Second-year swingman Francisco Garcia appreciates Bibby’s approach. “When I was struggling last year, Mike took me under his wing,” noted Garcia. Bibby not only leads by example, he mentors the younger players. “I try to teach guys what I know,” he said, “and at the same time, listen to them. I try not to put anyone down.” Bibby may not be overly demonstrative, but he often knows just what to tell a teammate. “When I have questions,” said second-year guard Ronnie Price, “Mike is quick to let me know the right things to do in certain situations of the game. I’m thankful for that.” And when Kevin Martin came into the league, Bibby offered advice that continues to help the third-year guard acclimate to the NBA. “Mike told me, ‘Just believe in what you do best, and don’t worry about anybody outside of the team.’ That has really helped me stay focused.”
Although he shares his experience and wealth of knowledge with his teammates, what Bibby does best is lead by example. “He’s somebody we can look up to,” said Garcia, “because he’s always working on his game, trying to get better, always getting his body ready.” Bibby’s work ethic is the key to earning his teammates’ respect and his ability to lead this team. For Bibby, talk is cheap—and less is more. “It doesn’t really have to be words every time,” said Price. “You can just watch him play. Being a player and wanting to get where he is, you see what he does and add it to your game.”
Bibby recognizes the importance of being a leader off the court, as well. At practice, in the weight room, and on the road, he is constantly helping the younger players learn the ropes about what it takes to be successful in the NBA. “He’s there for every practice, every workout, and every game, and he never complains,” Garcia noted. But Bibby does more than simply show up. “He pushes me during workouts,” added Garcia. Price was quick to agree. “I was here during the summer, and everyday I would see him working out; you can’t help but look up to a guy like that.”
Bibby understands that preparation is paramount to any player’s success, and each man must take responsibility for being prepared to play. “I’m always ready physically and mentally,” he emphasized. “Being prepared is so important in this game, especially mentally.” Price agreed. “When you are out here practicing with him and you work out with him, you can see the dedication and the motivation that he has for this game.” With Bibby and the other veteran players leading the way, that type of approach to practice, preparation, and performance is contagious.
Bibby’s desire to take charge is welcomed by the new coaching staff. “Mike wants to be a leader,” said first-year head coach Eric Musselman. “We discussed it with him, and we’re looking for him to step up.” But Musselman knows it has to come from the player. “It doesn’t matter what the coach wants,” he noted, “the player has to want it.”
Maybe Price said it best when asked about Bibby’s contributions as a team leader. “I don’t know if people realize what he really brings to the table every day,” the young guard stressed. “People might not understand how much of a leader he is, but he has helped me a lot as a young guy learning how to play this game.”
Leading the team in statistics is not as important to Mike Bibby as leading the team to victory. “I want to win,” he emphasized. “I can help show the guys what it takes, I can lead the way.” With unselfish assists, tenacious rebounds, clutch scoring, and a quiet leadership respected by his teammates, Mike Bibby is the leader of the pack.
Leader of the Pack
Veteran Guard Mike Bibby is Ready to Take Charge
By David A. Riggs, FANFARE Magazine
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Although there’s a new coaching staff directing the Kings this season, the team can take comfort in knowing there is consistency and continuity in the leadership on the court. Under the cool, stable, and reliable guidance of Mike Bibby, the Kings enter the new season with expectations of playing well and succeeding as a team.
But to succeed as a team, the Kings need leadership on the floor. Entering his sixth year in a Kings uniform, Mike Bibby continues to be that leader. As a point guard, Bibby sees the game develop in front of him. He must read the floor and set the plays. He knows what’s working and what to avoid.
Although unofficially part of his job description, it is simply the way Bibby plays the game. “I’ve always been a leader, I’ve always taken charge,” he stated. “That’s just the way I play the game.” Even though it’s a natural role for him, it’s a role to which he has ascended rather quietly. Bibby respected previous leaders on the team, but knew when it was his time to step forward. “The last couple of years I’ve felt like the leader of this team,” he noted. “When Webb and Vlade were here, they were the leaders. When they left, I stepped into that role.”
Bibby’s calm demeanor on the floor belies his passion for the game, his desire to succeed. Indeed, his composure contradicts his competitive spirit. “I don’t get in anyone’s face,” he explained, when talking about a player who could have done something different on a certain play. “But I will pull them aside later and talk to them.”
His teammates, especially the younger players, know Bibby has the skills to help this team, as well as the skills to help them get better.
Second-year swingman Francisco Garcia appreciates Bibby’s approach. “When I was struggling last year, Mike took me under his wing,” noted Garcia. Bibby not only leads by example, he mentors the younger players. “I try to teach guys what I know,” he said, “and at the same time, listen to them. I try not to put anyone down.” Bibby may not be overly demonstrative, but he often knows just what to tell a teammate. “When I have questions,” said second-year guard Ronnie Price, “Mike is quick to let me know the right things to do in certain situations of the game. I’m thankful for that.” And when Kevin Martin came into the league, Bibby offered advice that continues to help the third-year guard acclimate to the NBA. “Mike told me, ‘Just believe in what you do best, and don’t worry about anybody outside of the team.’ That has really helped me stay focused.”
Although he shares his experience and wealth of knowledge with his teammates, what Bibby does best is lead by example. “He’s somebody we can look up to,” said Garcia, “because he’s always working on his game, trying to get better, always getting his body ready.” Bibby’s work ethic is the key to earning his teammates’ respect and his ability to lead this team. For Bibby, talk is cheap—and less is more. “It doesn’t really have to be words every time,” said Price. “You can just watch him play. Being a player and wanting to get where he is, you see what he does and add it to your game.”
Bibby recognizes the importance of being a leader off the court, as well. At practice, in the weight room, and on the road, he is constantly helping the younger players learn the ropes about what it takes to be successful in the NBA. “He’s there for every practice, every workout, and every game, and he never complains,” Garcia noted. But Bibby does more than simply show up. “He pushes me during workouts,” added Garcia. Price was quick to agree. “I was here during the summer, and everyday I would see him working out; you can’t help but look up to a guy like that.”
Bibby understands that preparation is paramount to any player’s success, and each man must take responsibility for being prepared to play. “I’m always ready physically and mentally,” he emphasized. “Being prepared is so important in this game, especially mentally.” Price agreed. “When you are out here practicing with him and you work out with him, you can see the dedication and the motivation that he has for this game.” With Bibby and the other veteran players leading the way, that type of approach to practice, preparation, and performance is contagious.
Bibby’s desire to take charge is welcomed by the new coaching staff. “Mike wants to be a leader,” said first-year head coach Eric Musselman. “We discussed it with him, and we’re looking for him to step up.” But Musselman knows it has to come from the player. “It doesn’t matter what the coach wants,” he noted, “the player has to want it.”
Maybe Price said it best when asked about Bibby’s contributions as a team leader. “I don’t know if people realize what he really brings to the table every day,” the young guard stressed. “People might not understand how much of a leader he is, but he has helped me a lot as a young guy learning how to play this game.”
Leading the team in statistics is not as important to Mike Bibby as leading the team to victory. “I want to win,” he emphasized. “I can help show the guys what it takes, I can lead the way.” With unselfish assists, tenacious rebounds, clutch scoring, and a quiet leadership respected by his teammates, Mike Bibby is the leader of the pack.
