Hibbert was originally drafted 17th overall in the 2008 NBA Draft by the Toronto Raptors, but the Indiana Pacers acquired his services through a draft day trade that sent former Indianapolis icon Jermaine O’Neal to Toronto.
The 7’2” Hibbert was born in Queens, New York, but attended Georgetown Prep High School in Bethesda, Maryland. He then went on to star at nearby Georgetown University. Hibbert played four seasons collegiately, teaming with Jeff Green to lead the Hoyas to a 2007 NCAA Final Four semifinal game against an Ohio State team led by former Butler coach Thad Matta, and former Indianapolis basketball standouts Greg Oden and Mike Conley.
The duo from Lawrence, IN defeated Hibbert’s squad, but the big center had proven his talents against the best big men in the country. After flirting with leaving school after his NCAA tournament performance, Hibbert eventually decided to return to Georgetown, and was named first team All-Big East, and a 2nd team All-American during his senior season.
Hibbert struggled to stay out of foul trouble during his rookie season in Indiana, averaging over three fouls every 14 minutes he was on the court. Noted for this outstanding work ethic and understanding of the game, Roy dedicated himself over the offseason to improving all aspects of his game, and early in his second season, the hard work seems to be paying off.
He thrilled Indianapolis sports fans who frequent Conseco Fieldhouse by ripping off three consecutive double-doubles to start the season, indicating that big Roy Hibbert is yet another outstanding piece to Larry Bird and Jim O’Brien’s basketball puzzle.
