Hibbert: “I’m Going to Texas A&M”

Ron Bailey, Publisher

May 5, 2008 – Today at noon, Najee Hibbert, the 6’6”, 190 pound Baltimore, MD standout will pick Texas A&M University to attend in 2009. According to the DeMatha Catholic (Hyattsville, MD) junior swingman, feeling comfortable drove his decision.

“It’s a family atmosphere” shared Hibbert last night via telephone, of the Aggie environment. “The coaches and players treated me real well and were very friendly. That goes for everybody in all the sports down there”.

When asked if attending school in College Station, TX - approximately 100 miles from Houston and 182 miles from Dallas – might prove troublesome for a young man used to the urban East Coast, the easy going Hibbert simply replied “No sir”.

One place his transition should not be extremely challenging is on the hardwood, as the swingman who dropped 17 points, six rebounds and 2 steals a game for DeMatha can get to the cup, shoot from the perimeter, find teammates, and display leadership skills – all rather effortlessly. For the Aggies, expect him to play both the shooting guard and small forward positions.

Hibbert (2) is seen here slicing through two teammates in practice, in an effort to attack the rim. Najee provides offensive firepower in a number of ways.

That’s not to say he doesn’t identify points of necessary improvement in his game. “I have to get stronger and better in everything” said Hibbert of what he will focus working on this summer with his travel team, Team Mello (coached by Carlton ‘Bubb’ Carrington) and during his senior year at DeMatha. “I also have to tighten up on perimeter shooting for the Big Stage”.

Texas A&M bested Xavier – according to Najee those two institutions were his favorites – Miami, Syracuse, Clemson, and Marquette. He decided to announce the verbal commitment (Hibbert cannot actually sign a letter of intent until the fall per existing rules) because of the circus a big time prospect’s recruitment can become. “I was going to wait until fall, but it was getting ridiculous” he shared, of the constant and unappreciated attention received.

One person who Najee shared is happy a decision has been made is his father, Trevor Hibbert, a man instrumental in not only raising his son to be respectful and positive, but the young man’s scholastic and basketball development as well: The fact Trevor many days transports his son from their Northeast Baltimore home to DeMatha, located in the Washington, DC suburbs, is a testament to how deeply involved he is. (On the days such a ride proves unworkable, Najee takes a commuter train, evidencing his commitment to improve on and off the floor).

Congratulations go to Najee, Trevor, and the rest of Hibbert’s family; immediate, extended, and basketball. Everyone’s hard work is staring to pay off. And it couldn’t have happened to a better young guy.