Sterling Gibbs

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Coaches vs. Cancer Classic (2 Games)

November 22-23 | Barclays Center (Brooklyn, NY)

Sterling Gibbs — PG, 6-1, 185
Sophomore (via Texas), 20 years old

Season: 16.3 PPG, 4 RPG, 4.5 APG, 12.3 FTA

Outlook: Although small in stature, Gibbs is one of the best players in the country at accumulating free throws. In fact, according to KenPom.com, Gibbs has the highest fouls-drawn-per-40-minutes and free throw rate in the country.

His game is predicated on getting into the paint and drawing fouls. With the new rules in college basketball, his free-throw attempts should stay at an all-time high all season.

However, when Gibbs doesn’t get foul calls, he struggles to impact the game. This was apparent vs. Virginia Tech, when he went 0-8 from the field and scored only four points. He also lacks NBA athleticism, and didn’t show much in terms of setting the tempo or commanding the offense. Others may disagree, but to me, Gibbs’ statistics misrepresent his actual basketball ability.

Seton Hall 71, New Jersey Institute of Technology 55

Tuesday, December 10, 2013 | Prudential Center (Newark, NJ)

Sterling Gibbs — PG, 6-1, 185
Sophomore (via Texas), 20 years old

Season (29.2 mpg): 16 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 4.1 APG, 10.3 FTA

Game: 16 points, 2 assists, 1 rebound, 8-9 FT

Outlook: Although only 6-1, Gibbs gets into the paint and accumulates free throws. He averages 10.3 FTA per game, and ranks 2nd in the country with 103 total attempts. Furthermore, according the KenPom.com, Gibbs 121.2 free throw rate (a metric that measures a player’s ability to get to the line relative to how often he attempts to score) is 3rd-highest in the country.

That being said, right now Gibbs is solely effective in transition. He struggles to initiate offense in the half-court. Gibbs leads Seton Hall with a 26.7% usage percentage, but he can’t shoot, struggles to create one-on-one, and doesn’t facilitate for his teammates. Therefore, despite averaging 16 points and 4 rebounds, I hold Gibbs accountable for much of Seton Hall’s stagnant offense. Additionally, he lacks athleticism, which is not a good sign when you’re only 6-1.

If Gibbs can refine his jump shot and improve his passing, he has a chance to be an NBA prospect. But I don’t see it.

STRENGTHS

Drawing Fouls

Transition

Twenty-five percent of Gibbs’ offense is in transition, the most of any Seton Hall player. He’s one of those players who is faster with the ball in his hands, quickly changing direction. He’s not an elite athlete, but he’s solid enough to get ahead and make a play. Definitely a threat in transition, and his 1.33 points per play in transition ranks in the 84th percentile nationally.

NEEDS TO IMPROVE

Assists

Gibbs averages four assists per game, and his 30.4% assist percentage (percentage of teammate’s field goals Gibbs assisted while on the floor) ranks 102nd nationally, but I think those statistics misrepresent his actual ability. Similar to his performance at the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic, he looked incapable of setting the tempo and commanding the offense.

Jump Shot

Gibbs is shooting a terrible 26% on jump shots this season, and an unimpressive 30% on three-pointers. At the risk of sounding hyperbolic, when Gibbs shoots, I’ve come to the point where I’m genuinely surprised if it goes in.

Poor Defense

Gibbs is not a defensive liability, but he’s not a “good” defender in my estimation. He seemed to be lethargic on some possessions, and his physical makeup (lack of size, muscle and lateral quickness) hinders him. Bigger opponents can shoot over him or attack the basket, while quicker/craftier guards penetrate the lane with ease. Although Seton Hall plays zone defense on 50% of its possessions, NJIT point guard Damon Lynn got the best of Gibbs on several plays.

Seton Hall 82, Georgetown 67

Thursday, February 20, 2014 | Prudential Center (Newark, NJ)

Sterling Gibbs — PG, 6-1, 185
Sophomore (via Texas), 20 years old

Season (31 mpg): 14 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 4.4 APG
41% FG, 35% three-point, 8.1 FTA (75%)

30% assist rate (70th nationally), 92% FT rate (8th)

Game: 18 points, 7 assists, 2 steals
4-9 FG, 9-11 FT

*Gibbs was suspended the day after this game; Coach Kevin Willard cited “attitude problems.”
*He is the younger brother of former Pittsburgh guard Ashton Gibbs

Outlook: Gibbs again focused on attacking the basket, accumulating 11 free throws in 28 minutes. He was deliberate on the pick and roll, using either hand to penetrate and score, as well as dishing inside the paint.

But that said, Gibbs still struggled to create a flow within the offense. Seton Hall was often out of sync, in terms of moving the ball and playing in concert with one another, and Gibbs shoulders much of this responsibility. He needs to move the ball on the perimeter, not just try to drive and create. Developing a jump shot would help as well. Nearly 50% of his attempts are jump shots, but he’s only shooting 31%, and only 35% from 3-point.

Overall, Gibbs is an aggressive point guard who penetrates the lane to draw fouls and distribute down low. He needs to develop his jump shot, as well as his leadership and intangibles as a point guard. He sometimes has poor body language, and doesn’t engage his teammates.

If he becomes more efficient shooting the ball, and still maintains his impressive free throw rate, we can maybe revisit down the line. Playing alongside Isaiah Whitehead next season should give Gibbs plenty of one-on-one opportunities.

Strengths
— Aggressive and speedy guard who draws contact and accumulates free throws
— Solid pick and roll scorer (39% FG, .88 PPP, 70th percentile), burst through the lane
— 30% assist rate (70th nationally), 92% FT Rate (8th)
— Uses 30% of Seton Hall’s transition attempts; most effective drawing contact in open floor

Defects/Areas of Improvement
— So-so defender
— Inconsistent jump shot
— Not a great leader at the PG position
— Diminutive (6-1)
— Good assist numbers, but he is Seton Hall’s primary—and in some cases, only—capable ball handler
— Aggressive attacking the rim, but lacks shooting and quickness to become a reliable playmaker.

Video

Video: 18 points vs. Georgetown

Video: Misses (4-9)

Video: 7 assists

— Fast in transition.

Video: Pick and Roll Scoring

— Gets into lane, can drive both ways. Draws contact.

Video: Pick and Roll Passing (to screener)

— Good recognition and timing to get the screener the ball.

Video: Drawing Fouls

— 8.1 FTA, 92% Free Throw rate (8th nationally).