Sterling Gibbs to Texas Provides Another 2011 Point Guard
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on May 16, 2011 7:57 PM CDT
in Texas Longhorns Recruiting
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PrintIt's been a long time since there was any good news coming out of the Texas basketball program. Well, if you aren't Rick Barnes, that is, who received a recent $200k raise. Since late in the second-round tournament game against Arizona, everything has seemingly been downhill, culminating in the losses of Tristan Thompson, Jordan Hamilton, and the unexpected departure of Cory Joseph to the NBA draft.
Monday evening, former Maryland commit and Rivals three-star prospect Sterlilng Gibbs gave suffering Longhorn roundball fans something to feel good about after a difficult two months. Released from his letter of intent after Gary Williams retired, Gibbs is a 6-1, 180-pound point guard from Seton Hall Prep in West Orange, NJ. Despite the presence of star point guard Myck Kabongo in the 2011 class, Gibbs' relationship with new Texas assistant Rob Lanier from his time at Florida and the opening created by Joseph leaving was enough to lure Gibbs to Austin following a weekend visit.
The younger brother of Pittsburgh guard Ashton Gibbs, the New Jersey product is a scorer by nature who has developed his point guard skills over time, so it's not out of the question that he could play with both Kabongo and J'Covan Brown, another lead guard with the confidence to look for his own shots. With the same toughness and competitiveness that makes his brother effective at the college level, Gibbs should fit well with a Texas team that should look to push the ball at every opportunity to compensate for the lack of a low post presence.
A more advanced scorer than fellow 2011 commit Julien Lewis, Rick Barnes will likely mix and match the two, with Gibbs providing the scoring and ball-handling and Lewis providing the defense and high motor plays. However, Gibbs does need to work to add strength and raise the low release on his jumpshot. In addition, his lack of size could make him a liability defensively against bigger shooting guards when he plays the two, so if Barnes decides to play with with Kabongo or Brown, playing zone might be the best option on defense given that Gibbs is likely shorter than 6-1 and a pretty average athlete.
Gibbs joins Kabongo, Lewis, Sheldon McClellan, Jonathan Holmes, and Kevin Thomas in the 2011 Texas class. Of course, talented wing Deandre Daniels is also still uncommitted, but expected to make his decision between Texas, Duke, and Kansas in the next several days.
Here are some older clips of Gibbs:
USA Basketball DNT - Sterling Gibbs (via 2009USABDNT)
Sterling Gibbs (Seton Hall Prep) (via HSSMTV)
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Thanks for the write up Roy
Sterling is probably a contingency plan in case both Myck and JCB go pro after this year so we don’t have to rely on a true freshman exclusively at the PG slot next year. One comment: Lewis is a scorer through and through a la Jordan Hamilton, and Texas will rely a lot on the quick and easy points he can produce in the 2011 season.
The multitude of potential prospects Texas still has (Daniels, Woods, Ashaolu, and possibly the other two Maryland players, Faust and Breunig) makes me infinitely more hopeful for next season.
Follow me on Twitter @GoHornsGo90
Well Duke is out
So we don’t look any worse than 50/50. Heard a few good things lately, but nothing definitive. Such a weird recruitment. Word now is he may try to go to school without even signing a LOI.
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Yup
Latest on Daniels looks like he’ll let the May 18 late signing period deadline pass without signing. If that’s the case, he won’t sign an LOI but instead a financial aid agreement with whichever team he “picks.”
At this point, I’m not sure his talent is worth the hassle.
On Daniels
Myck Kabongo just tweeted this: D.D. Wednesday ? hmmmmmmm RELOADING!
He also foreshadowed the Gibbs commit, FWIW.
Saw that too.
Here we go!!
"Football's so important in Texas. On the West Coast, it's a social. On the East Coast, it's a culture. Here, it's a religion."
-- Major Applewhite
One of my Twitter followers asked Kabongo about that tweet
and if it meant that Daniels is coming to Texas. Kabongo DM’ed him and said “Yessir.”
Follow me on Twitter: @GhostofBigRoy
Burnt Orange Nation
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on May 17, 2011 12:20 PM CDT up reply actions
What should we expect of him, assuming he does sign
Maybe something along the lines of Hamilton his freshman year, crazy offensive game but does not know what a bad shot looks like?
by LongandHorny on May 17, 2011 2:32 PM CDT up reply actions
Daniels longer, more athletic than Hamilton.
Definitely similar in that they are wing players who will light up the scoreboard. I think shot selection could be an issue, but it’s hard to believe that Daniels could have as little conception of shot selection and be so immature/such a poor teammate. Being as bad as Hamilton in either of the former would be quite an accomplishment.
Follow me on Twitter: @GhostofBigRoy
Burnt Orange Nation
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on May 17, 2011 4:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Along with GBR, people forget Hamilton and JCB
Had to sit an entire year in between High School and College ball, its hard enough to make that transition without such a long layoff. Not sure if Daniels was active in High school this year or not but if he played then this should be less of an issue than with Hamilton.
Daniels Went to IMG Academy this year.
IMG Academy is the basketball, lacrosse, soccer, baseball, and football portion of the Bolleterri Tennis center, and is a sports high school, were Daniels was probably playing 4 hours of basketball a day with extremely high level coaching and is wear Michael Beasley played for his senior season of High School. To answer your question HornsUpinLA he has been receiving a great deal of coaching and is going to come to Texas with a better basketball IQ and be a much better teammate than Hamilton was.
I am sure
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by GoHornsGo90 on May 17, 2011 2:12 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Texas really needs some big men now
I wish Ridley was coming this year.
Hard to hope for much better this late in the year...
Guards are hard to come by
by HornsUpInLA on May 16, 2011 10:13 PM CDT up reply actions
really?
seems like you’re yelling to me
by vy til i die on May 16, 2011 10:23 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
I don't have a problem if he turns out to be a quality player
Barnes sure could use a quality program building type of player. One who stays with the team for at least 3 years or so and plays solid basketball. Would be nice to have this continuity, especially at the PG position.
by goingforthecorner on May 18, 2011 11:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Is Texas restocking or rebuilding?
Gibbs I assume replaces Cory Joseph. Texas still needs a couple posts, but this is encouraging.
Any word on Ashaolu? I’ve heard positive things on Ashaolu to Texas.
The Daniels recruitment is well past bizarre. Daniels announces on Wednesday.
What’s up with Woods? Does Texas have a shot?
by billfromlaketravis on May 16, 2011 8:51 PM CDT reply actions
Any word on Ashaolu?
Just one comes to mind.
Jonathan Baldwin: worst Chief since Larry Johnson
by burntorangehorn on May 16, 2011 10:24 PM CDT up reply actions
Ashaolu/Woods
Ashaolu looks like a UT vs. Oregon decision. With immediate PT available, and a better conference to boot, I think Horns fans should feel confident. Ashaolu is originally from Toronto and played HS ball at Christian Life in Humble, two more factors leaning the Horns’ direction.
Woods has so far visited Kentucky and is planning a trip to Texas. Despite the sympathetic Jason King story, I’m all kinds of skeptical on Woods. It also may be unfair to pigeonhole him into this, but there’s a very scary thought that Woods may have somehow been involved in this. Keep in mind that’s pure scared speculation on my part; I certainly hope that’s not the case.
I have never seen this Gibbs play before
but I have seen Julien Lewis and he is one heck of a scorer. To think that Barnes would only ask him to play defense and provide high motor plays would be severely limiting his potential and this Texas team.
Do not be distracted by what you see, but be transformed by what you believe.
Didn't mean to sell Lewis short.
In thinking about it more, I see Lewis playing more minutes than Gibbs this season because of his defense, better size, and much stronger athleticism. Lewis can be streaky with his shot and gets some Justin Mason comparisons, which I don’t think fit particularly well. Varez Ward is probably a better comparison, but he struggled so much shooting as a freshman that I think Lewis will come in with a more consistent stroke.
Follow me on Twitter: @GhostofBigRoy
Burnt Orange Nation
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on May 16, 2011 11:17 PM CDT up reply actions
Lewis is
An excellent shooter.
Follow me on Twitter @GoHornsGo90
by GoHornsGo90 on May 17, 2011 11:21 PM CDT up reply actions
i want to be excited (i really do)
but TT leaving really broke my heart. How can i get truly excited, like i do for the football team, when the good players leave so soon? Damn you “one and done” rule, damn you!!!
Keep hoping that Ashaolu
And Woods both come here, along with DeAndre. Then we’ll have some real hope for next year. Also, with as good as things look with Mitch McGary right now (just moved up from 92 to FIVE in one Rivals update), we will likely have two 5* post players in 2012.
Follow me on Twitter @GoHornsGo90
The McGary rise...
…is astounding.
There’s a bit of a dichotomy in the Rivals and Scout rankings with him (and with others), which makes me wonder if Jerry Meyer is off his rocker a little bit.
Would add
that people who are complaining about Barnes not signing enough program players should take note of Gibbs, who I would expect to be a four-year player. If you want a guarantee of that, the player is probably going to be completely overlooked or limited in some way. In other words, it’s not particularly exciting landing the program guys, who also require some projection to be anything more than role players.
Follow me on Twitter: @GhostofBigRoy
Burnt Orange Nation
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on May 16, 2011 11:18 PM CDT reply actions
We only have
9 people on the roster right now, so yeah, plenty of open schollies. Especially for Oshaolu, who would only be a one year loner.
Follow me on Twitter @GoHornsGo90
by GoHornsGo90 on May 17, 2011 12:28 AM CDT up reply actions
Agree with the post and all the comments
Gibbs looks like a really good 3-4 year player who will start as a scorer, but could develop into an All-Big 12 caliber lead guard by the end of his time at the 40 acres. Given the dearth of PG options in the 2012 class, it’s conceivable that Gibbs could be the starting point in 2012 if Kabongo leaves after one year. Note that Texas is pursuing NC State transfer Ryan Harrow, who would be eligible in 2012, and Westbury Christian guard LJ Rose, who is listed as a point guard but who Gerry Hamilton claims is more of an off-guard/lead guard.
With Gibbs, Lewis, McClellan, Holmes and Thomas all in this year’s class, it gives Barnes a great foundation/supporting cast to add to. Development will obviously be key, but if Barnes can turn these guys into viable starters like Gary Johnson, they’ll be excellent complementary pieces to some 5* studs that could pledge Burnt Orange, starting with Cameron Ridley but continuing though potentials like Mitch McGary, LJ Rose, Julius Randle, Aaron and Andrew Harrison, etc.
Well said
Very good initial post by Big Roy, and spot-on comment, JC25.
Really pleased with what Rick’s doing recruiting-wise right now. Great blend of high-elite talent and promising program players.
You ain't hurt...
Thanks, PB!
Likewise, I love the Barnes recruiting machine.
He’s going toe-to-toe with the Kentuckys and Kansases of the world. And like Tom Petty, he won’t back down. Go get ’em, Rick.
Since we seem to be playing by NBA rules
can we trade three guards for a big?
We have a 12th man and he's Bryan Harsin
by SpiritOfTheFedora on May 17, 2011 12:56 PM CDT reply actions
gibbs is a nice get, he'll actually stay more than one year
it would be great if we could get tony woods. he would make up for the size we lost with TT leaving early. Also im hoping on daniels; i think he can be better than jordan his freshman year because he’ll actually have a good point guard in kabongo. Unfortunately he will be gone after 1 year. Kabongo predicted his commitment so in Kabongo I trust. Ashaolu is really good too; put up some nice numbers against us last year and while he doesn’t have the size of woods he’s got a good motor like TT. All of these guys are better than chapman or wangmene so i’ll be happy with whoever we get.
My big takeaway from this
is that the Longhorns are lucky there are so many good players who are available right now, especially guys who can come in and play immediately as transfers instead of sitting out a season. Don’t have a great perspective on this, but there definitely seem to be more than normal.
Landing Daniels and any combination of Woods/Ashaolu would be major statement from Rick Barnes that 2011-12 doesn’t have to be a terrible season.
Follow me on Twitter: @GhostofBigRoy
Burnt Orange Nation
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on May 17, 2011 5:00 PM CDT up reply actions
totally agree
if these guys wouldn’t have been available the only reason i would have had to watch longhorn basketball is to see myck.
the gary williams retirement destroyed maryland and has benefitted us. Regarding woods i have heard that he can’t start till january like jai lucas did and i’ve also heard he can start in mid november since that’s when he left the team- it depends on whether it matters if he has to wait till the end of the semester or just 1 calender year which i’m not sure on. Olu can play since he graduated and would be a post graduate player at Texas.
by CanadianHorn on May 17, 2011 11:06 PM CDT up reply actions
With Turgeon and Dalonte Hill
Maryland is already set up much better than under Williams in the foreseeable future. He had to have the exact perfect combination of player in those couple years that Maryland challenged as a national power. Other than that, nothing at all. Williams just wasn’t interested enough in recruiting big time players, a negative facet that Hill will certainly rectify in short order. Faust, their only high-level recruit, has already recommitted. They will be just fine.
Haven’t heard anywhere that Woods couldn’t play right away. Where did you see that?
Follow me on Twitter @GoHornsGo90
by GoHornsGo90 on May 17, 2011 11:23 PM CDT up reply actions
heard it on the 247 boards and i looked up the ncaa bylaws but was too confused just looking at it
I know maryland will be good they have a lot of talent in the area (can you say kevin durant!) i just meant that they had some good players jump ship after williams retired which was probably expected. If they are committed to recruiting like at the beginning of the decade/ late 90’s then they can return to be a national contender.
by CanadianHorn on May 17, 2011 11:56 PM CDT up reply actions
The odd thing is
Our “optimal lineup” right now appears to be Myck, JCB, DeAndre, Ashaolu, and Woods. Obviously, 3/5 of that group isn’t even committed yet (although that should change tomorrow after DD decides), which is ironic. Frontcourt players like Olu, Woods, DeAndre, Thomas, and Holmes and backcourt players like McClellan and Lewis are perfect complements to Myck’s up tempo style of play. Assuming we somehow close with DD, Olu, and Woods, expect to see a faster pace and more dunks than you’ve ever seen under Barnes.
Will also be interested to see if Barnes goes after other Maryland decomms Nick Faust (superstar athletic SG) and Martin Breunig (high-ceiling but raw big man).
Follow me on Twitter @GoHornsGo90
gohornsgo90 do we actually have a chance with McGary?
I find it hard to believe we pull a kid this good out of indiana especially when we already have a 5* center committed.
From the quotes Inside Texas has provided
We appear to be in the driver’s seat. Kid and his family absolutely love us. Would be a great player to pair with Ridley. Also, McGary is a hybrid combo PF/C in college (meaning he’s projected as a PF in the NBA) who has a game very similar to Josh McRoberts before he gained a ton of weight at Duke. Ridley is more of a true post player, although he should be able to both play back to the basket and facing it soon enough. Think it would be a beautiful interior for Texas in 2012.
Follow me on Twitter @GoHornsGo90
great news that front line would be incredible!
i also agree that would be are best lineup and its becoming more of a reality every day. I’m holding my breath on DD till i hear it from his own mouth but im optimistic and olu is leaning our way ( oregon is the only other school in the hunt) and woods is planning a visit although im less confident on him because so many people are interested.
Myck is the driving force of this team next year. If we get these guys a can surround him with talent then we can be very good (this is why i wanted TT, Hamilton and cojo to come back so badly). If we’re forced to play slippery hands alexei who probably can’t even catch his passes I’m a lot less confident.
I also think Lanier is an excellent get; a great coach who did an excellent job at florida despite no where near the talent of their championship teams.
One more thing- if we get these 3 guys then i think we should consider 40 minutes of hell. push the ball on offense an full court press on D. We will be athletic enough to do it and i think it can work effectively in stretches for this team. Woods and Olu can both run the floor, it comes down to whether DD puts the effort in on D
by CanadianHorn on May 17, 2011 10:55 PM CDT up reply actions
Very good thoughts
We’re in agreement regarding letting players cut loose and run and press all day, especially with as deep as we should be. That was the only time the 2009-2010 team looked comfortable in their own skin in the second half of the season.
Lanier is already looking like a perfect replacement for Terry.
The frontcourt combination of Daniels/Thomas, Woods, and Olu would provide a hell of a shot blocking presence. Gotta, gotta, gotta run and gun baby. Rick’s halfcourt offense is already weak and we don’t really have the players to beat a halfcourt offense other than J’Covan, Sheldon, and, hopefully, DD.
Follow me on Twitter @GoHornsGo90
by GoHornsGo90 on May 17, 2011 11:29 PM CDT up reply actions
ya we just looked stagnant way too many times on offense last year.
i know part of that is a lack of a point guard but that is not the only problem. i really hope DD doesn’t become a ball stopper because when they passed well last year i loved watching the offense. Hamilton tried to come in and be a hero his first year and show off for the scouts and it got him no where; it was when he started to by into the team an taking better shots, his stock jumped to late lottery. i hope DD can learn from this.
I think kevin thomas ends up being the underrated player of this class. He is raw which is why he’s a 3 star, but i’ve seen him in person and he can really do some stuff. He’s 6’8’’ and can hit the 3, good ball handling for his size. I can definetely see him becoming a good nba 3/ college 4. But that obviously depends on whether he puts in the work.
by CanadianHorn on May 18, 2011 12:09 AM CDT up reply actions
also espn insider is reporting that
purdue and indiana look to be out of scholarships for 2012/13 so that could affect their recruitment of McGary. Another good sign for us!
by CanadianHorn on May 18, 2011 12:13 AM CDT up reply actions
Congrats to Gibbs~
I never seen Sterling Gibbs play, but seems like Barnes is looking for someone to replace Jai Lucas or AJ Abrams??
I hope we get DD tomorrow.
Good To Have Another Body
But another guard? Guess we can always go with a 5 guard lineup. And there goes playing time too for Andrew Dick and Trent Morgan. To think they could have been major contributors next year. (OK, only kidding)
Does anyone
Know whats going on with Deandre Daniels?
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