UConn’s Sterling Gibbs denies bitterness in Seton Hall exit

[Halldan1]

By Howie Kussoy

December 7, 2015 | 11:55pm

MORE ON:
seton hall pirates
Seton Hall shows Rutgers who's boss in Jersey hoops
4-star sharpshooter stays local, signs with Seton Hall
Why this could be a program-defining season for Seton Hall


Standing atop the scorer’s table at Madison Square Garden felt like standing atop the world.

Sterling Gibbs’ step-back buzzer-beater had triggered a chaotic scene, as the sophomore guard elevated himself and unleashed a scream of euphoric defiance after upsetting No. 1 Villanova to send eighth-seeded Seton Hall to the 2014 Big East Tournament semifinals.

The Knicks fan and New Jersey native was experiencing what most only imagine, making it impossible to ever enter the legendary arena again without the shot entering his mind.

“That was one of the best moments of my career,” Gibbs said.

It is a feeling Gibbs is still trying to recreate, now as a graduate transfer at UConn.

Following a matchup between No. 10 Virginia (7-1) and No. 14 West Virginia (7-0) in the opener of Tuesday’s Jimmy V Classic at the Garden, Gibbs and the Huskies (5-2) will face No. 6 Maryland (7-1), where the 22-year-old originally intended to go before beginning a five-year, three-school odyssey.

Out of high school, Gibbs committed to play for the Terps, but reconsidered after learning longtime Maryland coach Gary Williams was retiring, via a scrolling TV sports ticker.

“Things would’ve been a lot different, Gibbs said. “I was a big Gary Williams fan. He was the main guy that recruited me and I was looking forward to playing for him, but I feel like I’ve ended up in all these places for a reason.”

Gibbs with UConn coach Kevin OlliePhoto: AP

Gibbs spent one season at Texas, then transferred to Seton Hall to be closer to his family in Scotch Plains.

Joined by a talented recruiting class last season, Gibbs led the Pirates to their highest ranking (No. 19) in nearly 13 years — earning All-Big East Second Team honors while averaging 16.3 points and nearly 44 percent 3-point shooting — but the team missed the NCAA Tournament for the ninth straight year, losing 11 of its final 14 games.

Following the departure of close friend and fellow starting guard Jaren Sina, Gibbs decided to do the same, amid reports of locker-room tension, though Gibbs said he still follows Seton Hall closely and remains in contact with nearly the entire team.

“They’re doing really well this season,” Gibbs said of the Pirates (6-2). “I wish them nothing but the best.”

As perhaps the most highly coveted transfer available, Gibbs considered numerous options — Ohio State, Pittsburgh (where his brother, Ashton, played), N.C. State and VCU — but was swayed by the success of UConn, just one season removed from a national championship, and the allure of playing for Kevin Ollie, who spent 13 seasons as a guard in the NBA.

“He’s been through everything that I’m going through, jumping from team to team on the highest level,” Gibbs said of Ollie, who played for 12 pro teams. “I’m just trying to learn everything I can from him, take it all in and become a better player. There’s more pressure because I only have one year left, but it’s helping me prepare for the years to come.”

Through eight games, Gibbs is averaging 11.9 points and three assists per game, but is still searching for comfort in another new system, still figuring out how best to fit alongside another set of teammates.

Still, he searches for the feeling of that unforgettable afternoon at the Garden.

“We definitely believe that we’re a really good team, but we’re still getting a feel for each other,” Gibbs said. “We’re only going to get better and hopefully we’ll be playing our best at the end of the season.”

http://nypost.com/2015/12/07/uconns-sterling-gibbs-denies-bitterness-in-seton-hall-exit/

 

[Fordham_57]

I was extremely disappointed with Gibbs' action in the Nova game, but I'm pleased he is not harboring any ill will at his leaving. Frank

 

[JTSHU]

Will we ever know what happened in that locker room?

 

[Seton75]

I don't care what happened. I just don't want it to happen again. I wish the kids who left the best but don't spend any time thinking about them.

 

[anon_4htvdezyfe7k9]

Will we ever know what happened in that locker room?

Probably not. And I'd be lying if I said I wasn't curious. Very easy to ignore it now, but something was obviously amiss.

 

[Piratz]

Probably not. And I'd be lying if I said I wasn't curious. Very easy to ignore it now, but something was obviously amiss.

Agreed. The concern is whether or not it was someone that still lurks in there, but I guess we'll find out.

I thought Gibbs was on his way in that lineage of really top guards we have had. He was a tremendous player, I thought.

 

[anon_4htvdezyfe7k9]

I liked Gibbs when he was here for the most part, but hated the way he left, which we've been led to believe he did so leaving the coaching staff expecting he'd be back and scrambling to get someone to fill his spot.

He seemed to have had a major attitude problem, but I've only gathered that from observing his on-court incidents and overall body language so I guess it's just speculation. Many here have posted about what a great kid he was, I just couldn't see it from afar.

 

[anon_4htvdezyfe7k9]

I thought Gibbs was on his way in that lineage of really top guards we have had. He was a tremendous player, I thought.

One other thing I'd add is that the lineage, and I'm assuming you mean Sha, Barrett, Copeland (I'm sure I'm missing a couple), all got the the rest of the team involved. Gibbs was a shoot-first PG.

 

[SHUSource]

He seemed to have had a major attitude problem.

Hmmmm ... did he always, I wonder? Or did circumstances foster his disenchantment?

 

[Shuathelete]

Gibbs single handedly won like every game last year. Willard owes him a year salary of bailing out his non existent offense. And if you also think about it, he also gave willard like 3 more years after he now has his transferring fiasco as an excuse.

 

[Section112]

Losing Sterling was a big loss no doubt. But Carrington and IW don't develop with him here. That is three guys who need the ball in their hands. Sterling's D was also suspect. So we lost a tremendous 3 pt shooter but we took a big step forward defensively. In the end wish him luck and move on and enjoy watching our young guards develop.

 

[statenman]

After Sterling's pro career in Turkey is completed, I think he would make a great coach.

His interview skill are better and he is more articulate and intelligent than many coaches in college basketball.

Even though we will never know what happened in the locker room, those comments from players 2 years ago to the media about one player only caring about his numbers and getting his shots obviously was about Gibbs.

I wish him luck at UCONN and beyond, but I'm curious to see if he behaves better at UCONN now that he is playing for a coach that is respected by the players.

 

[SHUSource]

Losing Sterling was a big loss no doubt. But Carrington and IW don't develop with him here. That is three guys who need the ball in their hands. Sterling's D was also suspect. So we lost a tremendous 3 pt shooter but we took a big step forward defensively. In the end wish him luck and move on and enjoy watching our young guards develop.

He was our best player, by a pretty good margin, too. I don't get why so many people are willing to write it off like that's nothing. I'm not looking to knock the Whitehead or Khadeen, but Sterling was our best player. On a good team, the younger guards get their turn to shine as the older guards age out of the program and/or graduate, so why are our sophs above that? It would be one thing if they were better, but Sterling Gibbs was our best player.

 

[SHUSource]

I wish him luck at UCONN and beyond, but I'm curious to see if he behaves better at UCONN now that he is playing for a coach that is respected by the players.

Again, the assumption that he was the problem.

 

[garyshu71]

He was our best player, by a pretty good margin, too. I don't get why so many people are willing to write it off like that's nothing. I'm not looking to knock the Whitehead or Khadeen, but Sterling was our best player. On a good team, the younger guards get their turn to shine as the older guards age out of the program and/or graduate, so why are our sophs above that? It would be one thing if they were better, but Sterling Gibbs was our best player.

I agree that people need to wait and learn and defer to the seasoned vets in all of life. I think Gibbs was not pleased that this was not the case for some of his teammates.

 

[anon_4htvdezyfe7k9]

Hmmmm ... did he always, I wonder? Or did circumstances foster his disenchantment?

KW? He sure didn't look like he respected him if you watched how he acted in the huddles (again, I'm observing from afar). If he had a problem with the attention that the freshman class got last year then that's on him. He and his boy JS still got their minutes. And he obviously still got his shots.

 

[Hall91]

to me, I think it's a real shame Gibbs didn't finish out his career here at SHU. We can all speculate on the reasons, Gibbs probably didn't help matters.

I put much of the blame on Willard. I think Willard just promised too much to everyone and left a team last year that was confused on roles and who was leading the team. Coaches like K, Calipari, etc.. are all able to get big egos to work and play together. I think that's part of their success. Willard has left a lot to be desired in that area.

 

[Seton75]

Again, the assumption that he was the problem.

How blatant was it assumed last year that he was the victim? Good luck and goodbye. Don't miss him at all. Give me our guys.

 

[Flnj86]

+1000 Seton75 I like the players on our team this year.

 

[SPK145]

The divisive figure is gone. You all know who........

 

[Section112]

He was our best player, by a pretty good margin, too. I don't get why so many people are willing to write it off like that's nothing. I'm not looking to knock the Whitehead or Khadeen, but Sterling was our best player. On a good team, the younger guards get their turn to shine as the older guards exage out of the program and/or graduate, so why are our sophs above that? It would be one thing if they were better, but Sterling Gibbs was our best player.

I appreciate your perspective and think the whole incident that lead to him leaving is unfortunate. Part of that problem has left the building thankfully and I'm not talking about Sterling. With that said he was our best offensive player by a large margin (agree). Defensively he struggled considerably. We are much worse off offensively today and much better off defensively. That is very clear from my perspective. I wish him well and wish he stayed. I still believe that Isaiah and Khadeen will develop faster without Sterling here. Is it right what happened? Probably not but it is what it is.

 

[mga pirate]

Gibbs on bench during crunch time run by pukon

 

[bd98]

The divisive figure is gone. You all know who........

Come in, make life completely miserable for people, cause two players to flee the program, then immediately scurry back from whence you came like the rat you are. That about sums it up?

 

[Halldan1]

For those curious here's his stats at UConn compared to those at SHU.


http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/57408/sterling-gibbs

 

[SHUSource]

How blatant was it assumed last year that he was the victim? Good luck and goodbye. Don't miss him at all. Give me our guys.

But I considered Sterling our guy, too, one who didn't need to tolerate the B.S. of someone so closely associated with the other "our guys." So he left, and it's hard to blame him. I wish he was still here, even if it meant someone else wasn't.

 

[Seton75]

But I considered Sterling our guy, too, one who didn't need to tolerate the B.S. of someone so closely associated with the other "our guys." So he left, and it's hard to blame him. I wish he was still here, even if it meant someone else wasn't.

He punched a kid in a game. No big deal. Come on. How many kids punch a kid on the court? Tiny made him do it. And most fans really didn't care. We choose sides.

He was our guy. He supposedly told our staff he was staying and then he left. I never thought he would stay, but they say he said he was. Good bye and good luck.

 

[Halldan1]

There's a lot of rumor, speculation and innuendo on this thread. Much of it incorrect. Best to leave the situation alone and wish everyone involved the best of luck.

Hard feelings don't serve anyone well.

 

[lwyrup]

Most fans thought the coaching staff should have been let go last year. When they weren't, how could you blame Sterling for leaving? I wish him nothing but the best. He gave us some incredible moments. If not for the Nova/Creighton/SJU and other games last year, it would have been a miserable season.

 

[hallgrad80]

How many times have we seen a player tell a coach he's coming to his school and go elsewhere.
How many times have we seen a player tell his coach he's not going pro but then does.
How many times have we seen a player say he's not transferring and he does.

It happens all the time in college and even HS sports and the best approach is to accept it , wish the player well and move on . All the " what if' scenarios " achieve nothing and you play with the hand you're dealt.

 

[SHUSource]

I had a lot of respect for the sincere way Sterling handled things directly with Arcidiacono in the hours following that game. It was personal, and the response by Arcidiacono reflected that. It was easy to see the frustration Gibbs felt about the way the season and his team imploded bubbling over and it manifested itself in that very unfortunate way. There's no way to defend it, but the follow up says a lot about the kid (as well as Ryan A., who was elegant in his reaction). And I certainly don't blame him for wanting out of a program that sold itself for such a short-term gain (or the perception of one, anyway. The gains have yet to arrive). Sterling wasn't a perfect kid, but he was certainly a good kid and a someone who, in the broader picture, brought a lot to Seton Hall, on and off the court.

Obviously, mine is not the prevailing opinion of the board, and that's fine. I'm not trying to take on the world or convince anyone or change opinions, but I think this point of view needs to be represented.

 

[Shuathelete]

He didnt punch a guy in the face he was trying to knock the ball out and bounced off Ajous head... its actually pretty easy to see in the replay. Unreal how nobody mentions it.

 

[Save Continental]

He didnt punch a guy in the face he was trying to knock the ball out and bounced off Ajous head... its actually pretty easy to see in the replay. Unreal how nobody mentions it.

I think Kermit Washington was going for the ball too.

 

[SHUSource]

He didnt punch a guy in the face he was trying to knock the ball out and bounced off Ajous head... its actually pretty easy to see in the replay. Unreal how nobody mentions it.

I was willing to entertain this idea at first, but I think Sterling's unequivocal apology afterward made it pretty clear it was a punch.

 

[Piratz]

He was our best player, by a pretty good margin, too. I don't get why so many people are willing to write it off like that's nothing. I'm not looking to knock the Whitehead or Khadeen, but Sterling was our best player. On a good team, the younger guards get their turn to shine as the older guards age out of the program and/or graduate, so why are our sophs above that? It would be one thing if they were better, but Sterling Gibbs was our best player.

Couldn't agree more. And remains a big deal because we don't know if whatever dysfunction caused this situation is still around or not. I'm hoping it's eradicated, but who knows?

Sterling is not beyond reproach, either. He also got himself suspended for a game the season before (2013-14), a game in which we lost at a nationally-ranked Creighton team on the road by a single point. Of course Willard also suspended three starting Seniors that season as well, if I recall (Teague, Edwin, and Oliver), so again, who knows.

 

[Shuathelete]

I was willing to entertain this idea at first, but I think Sterling's unequivocal apology afterward made it pretty clear it was a punch.

I was willing to look with MY OWN TWO EYES.

Pretty obvious why he apologized. Guilty or not he was going to say that.

 

[lwyrup]

I was willing to look with MY OWN TWO EYES.

Pretty obvious why he apologized. Guilty or not he was going to say that.

Not saying you are right or wrong. Just because you saw it with your own eyes doesn't mean you know what was going through Sterling's head. Everyone has different interpretations of what they saw.

 

[AFRPIRATE]

If you can't remember what happened google it. Ryan was on his back and Gibbs delivered a wrestling type elbow to Ryans forehead.

 

[SHUSource]

Believe me, I'll obviously support Sterling in any way I can, and I wanted to believe that blow was incidental, but ...

 

[shupat08]

He didnt punch a guy in the face he was trying to knock the ball out and bounced off Ajous head... its actually pretty easy to see in the replay. Unreal how nobody mentions it.

I just watched the replay on youtube... If Gibbs' flying fist hit RA that hard, how hard would it have hit off of Ajou's head first? And don't you think Ajou would have flinched as well? Or went down? He didn't.

It was a punch. Plain and simple.

 

[batts]

Gibbs assaulted the Nova player in the head in the heat of the moment. It wasn't accidental. The first swat by Gibbs was accidental, the second swat was clearly an intentional elbow to the face. If you show the video to100 people, 99 will agree that it was not accidental.



I agree with Dan. Hard feelings towards Gibbs and Sina do not serve any useful purpose. I won't go out of my way to root for them, but I won't malign them any more either.