Henry Bibby

Henry Bibby is an American former professional basketball player and coach. He played nine seasons in the National Basketball Association for the New York Knicks, New Orleans Jazz, Philadelphia 76ers, and San Diego Clippers. He later had a long coaching career at the college and professional levels.

Player Profile and Personal Life

Charles Henry Bibby was born on November 24, 1949, in Franklinton, North Carolina, United States.

He stood 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighed 185 pounds during his playing days. Bibby is the brother of the late Major League Baseball pitcher Jim Bibby and the father of former NBA point guard Mike Bibby.

Bibby and his son are one of four father-son duos to each win an NCAA basketball championship. They were estranged for many years but reconnected during Mike Bibby’s NBA career.

High School and College Career

Bibby attended B.F. Person-Albion High School in Franklinton, North Carolina. He played college basketball at UCLA from 1969 to 1972. As starting point guard, Bibby helped lead UCLA to three consecutive NCAA championships from 1970 to 1972 under Coach John Wooden. He was a consensus first-team All-American in 1972 and one of only four players to start on three NCAA championship teams.

Professional Career

Bibby was selected by the New York Knicks in the fourth round of the 1972 NBA Draft.

He played for the Knicks from 1972 to 1975, winning an NBA championship in 1973. He spent the 1975–1976 season with the New Orleans Jazz, then played for the Philadelphia 76ers from 1976 to 1980, reaching the NBA Finals in 1977 and 1980.

He finished his NBA career with the San Diego Clippers in 1980–1981 and played one season with the Lancaster Lightning in the CBA, winning a CBA championship in 1982.

Coaching Career

Bibby began his coaching career as a player-assistant with the Lancaster Lightning and won two CBA championships as a coach in 1982 and 1989. He served as the Head Coach at the University of Southern California from 1996 to 2004, leading the team to three NCAA tournament appearances, including the Elite Eight in 2001.

Bibby also held coaching positions in the WNBA and as an assistant coach in the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers, Memphis Grizzlies, and Detroit Pistons.

Career Highlights

As Player:

• 1973 – NBA champion
• 1982 – CBA champion
• 1970, 1971, 1972 – NCAA champion
• 1972 – Consensus first-team All-American
• 1972 – Second-team All-Pac-8

As Head Coach:

• 1989 – CBA champion
• 1986 – USBL Coach of the Year

As Assistant Coach:

• 1982 – CBA champion