Arizona Basketball: Top 5 Wildcat Freshmen of All-Time

4 of 6

24 Nov 1997: Guard Mike Bibby of the Arizona Wildcats stands on the court during a game against the Boston College Eagles at the Maui Invitational at the Lahaina Civic Center in Maui, Hawaii. Arizona won the game 99-69. Mandatory Credit: Todd Warshaw / /

No.3 Mike Bibby

National Champion! Mike Bibby led the Wildcats to their only National Championship in 1997 by beating three No.1 seeds. His confidence and skillset as a freshman during the championship run was a sight to see! He didn’t let the spotlight or pressure of the moment phase him at all. It seemed as if he had ice in his veins – red and blue ice that is!

A native of Arizona, Bibby played for the Wildcats for two seasons before entering the NBA. His freshman season he averaged 13.5 points per game, 5.2 assists per game and 2.2 steals per game. Bibby started in every game and averaged 32.6 minutes per game.

In the 1996-97 postseason, he averaged 18 points per game, 4.8 rebounds per game, 3.3 assists per game and shot 48.6% from three. When the Wildcats needed a big time shot, Bibby was there to knock them down. He also named to the All NCAA Tournament team.

As if it was any surprise, Bibby was named as Pac-10 Freshman of the Year. Pac-10 Player of the Year and to the Pac-10 All First team. Similar to the No.1 Freshmen of All-Time, Bibby racked up the awards (hint, hint).

After his college career, Bibby went on to play 14 seasons in the NBA and also played in Ice Cube’s 3 on 3 league, the BIG3. He then went on to become the head coach of his former high school, Shadow Mountain High School. That’s what you call going full circle!

Home/Wildcats Basketball