Hibbert Could Be Part Of B’More’s Elite
Ron Bailey, Publisher
January 3, 2007 - Those interested in high school hoops have known for years Baltimore has produced a slew of great players who have excelled at all levels of hoops. Guys like Reggie Williams, and Sam Cassell went on to the NBA, while names like Shawnta Rogers, Michael Lloyd, and Keith “Turk” Booth come to mind when the topic of college stars is broached (though Booth did win a championship ring with Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls).
Just within the past year, college freshmen DaJuan Summers has cracked the starting lineup at Georgetown, and many believe Jamal Barney will do the same soon at Providence. In essence, the beat continues.
Not to jinx him, but one day, with continued development, the name Najee Hibbert could be added to the list of great Baltimore players.
A 6’5” 180 pound Saint Frances Academy sophomore, Hibbert has never been one to duck hard work. When he first started playing hoops around the age of five, his brother Hakim and cousin Nathaniel Blanton didn’t take it easy on him, despite an age differential of around six years.
According to Najee, their playing hard with him had the typical effect of advancing his game, as he stated “It made me mentally stronger and physically stronger”.
From an AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) perspective, Hibbert shared “I received a good foundation” from the Chick Webb organization, before joining Mt. Royal/Team Melo in 2004. At both stops, the young guy continued his penchant of working hard, with the latter building upon what was learned at Chick Webb, by as he put it, providing “workouts that help me learn the game better, and put me in position to get to the next level”.
Najee Hibbert has taken lessons learned along the way, and worked hard to improve his game. According to him, his averages at St. Frances Academy this year are "12 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists".
Hibbert’s penchant for putting his nose to the proverbial grindstone can be attributed to his father, Trevor. “He gave me discipline and work ethic” opined Najee when asked to expound on his father’s contributions. “He pushes you, and stresses attitude and being humble”.
A discussion with Mr. Hibbert confirmed that. “I believe preparation meets opportunity” said the elder Hibbert, who grew up in the Jamaican town of Westmoreland, playing primarily cricket. “I tell him you don’t want anything given to you. You want to earn it”.
The effects of his teaching are obvious, as Najee has become much more than a complimentary player, despite only being a sophomore at Saint Frances. A self described “lead guard” Hibbert is thriving in the new fast break attack at that East Baltimore school.