Hibbert Getting Back in Form

Roy Hibbert, the 7-2 junior center from Georgetown Prep in Rockville, MD, is now getting back in playing shape. The well-spoken young man, who has already committed to the Big East's Georgetown Hoyas, missed a lot of playing time over the past twelve months due to two foot injuries.

He suffered the first before his sophomore season started and the second early this past summer. "I was able to start playing again last month," Hibbert said.

"I broke the same metatarsal bone," he added. "The doctors put a screw in it this summer to make it stronger. I've been told that a lot of basketball centers suffer this injury."

Coach Dwayne Bryant indicated that he's pleased with Hibbert's contributions at this point. "He needs to build more stamina," Bryant said. "But all-in-all Roy's doing very well.

Hibbert, who celebrated his 16th birthday the day before the Gonzaga College High School's DC Classic last week in Washington, DC, averaged 10.7 points over the three day event. The Little Hoyas (4-1) took third place with a 55-52 overtime win over Paul VI HS (2-3) from Fairfax, VA by sinking eight of 10 free throws in overtime Saturday.

Hibbert announced his decision to attend Georgetown this past summer. "I was also considering North Carolina, Michigan and Stanford," he said. "But Georgetown is the right place for me. I know the coaches and players really well and I've been playing there for the last couple summers."

Learing from his experiences, Hibbert has found out that he needs to not miss school. "I get sluggish if I don't practice," he added. "I do jog on my own."

The junior, who lives on the prep school's campus, said that another reason for deciding on Georgetown was because it's close to home (North Bethesda). "Great to get home for my mom's cooking," he smiled.

While he has not yet taken the SAT, Hibbert indicated that he's been doing well in the classroom.

This was the first time this reporter has a had a chance to see Hibbert on the floor. He's very athletic, has good hands and knows what he's doing on the court. It will be interesting to see how well he can play in February providing he's able to avoid injury.

Unlike a lot of big men, Hibbert faces a number of top interior players in the DC metropolitan area, including O'Connell's Brian Johnson (another junior), Carroll's Darian Townes (Georgetown), Good Counsel's Omari Isreal (Notre Dame), Riverdale Baptist's Sheray Thomas (Kentucky), Spalding's Will Bowers (Maryland) and DeMatha's Steve Danley. Hibbert said, "I go out and play hard each game regardless of who's opposition."

The Little Hoyas have the luxury of lining up with two big men: Hibbert and 6-9 power forward Davis Nwankwo. But a size advantage is not always the best predictor of the outcome of a basketball game. Georgetown Prep's single loss this weekend came against host Gonzaga, who's tallest player is 6-6 (or 6-4) Luke Owings. Owings, who was listed at 6-6 in the tournament program but was recently referred to at 6-4 by Gonzaga's head coach Dick Meyers, led all scorers in that game with 22 points; Hibbert was GP's top scorer with 14.

Hibbert will get a chance to face one of the area's top big men right after Christmas when GP takes on Archbishop Spalding and Will Bowers at the Slam Dunk to the Beach, Thursday, Dec. 26th at 8 pm.