More coaching news from the OKC Thunder as the franchise names Grant Gibbs as the new Head Coach for their G-League affiliate the OKC Blue.
The OKC Thunder took a bit of time to replace several of their vacant coaching positions. This is a bit concerning given the need to develop the youngsters on the club and with the long term view of the franchise focusing on the youth. That said, most moves made came from internal promotions as Thunderous Intentions outlined in our recent article.
Specifically, the promotion of Mark Daigneault who coached the OKC Blue last season marked an opening to fill in the G-League OKC Blue squad. Friday, OKC Thunder General Manager, Sam Presti announced that position will be filled by Grant Gibbs.
As per the OKC Thunder official site press release, Presti cited Gibbs growth and advancement up the ladder as a natural transition.
"“Grant is someone we identified early in his post-playing career as a potential fit within our organization,” said Presti. “He has steadily impressed us with his versatility as a coach. We believe he will do an excellent job with the Blue and is ready to continue his growth within the organization.”"
Gibbs also comes from inside the franchise where he honed his skills serving under Daigneault as his Assistant Coach of the Blue for the last two years where the team posted 62-38 record.
The new Head Coach of the Blue has a background as a player as well, having played internationally in the Netherlands and Germany over the course of three seasons.
Prior to his assistant coaching stint on the Blue and his overseas professional career Gibbs was playing in the NCAA. He spent a season playing for Gonzaga eventually transferring to Creighton where he played for three seasons.
| Season | School | G | MP | FGA | FG% | 2PA | 2P% | 3PA | 3P% | FTA | FT% | DRB | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009-10 | Gonzaga | 24 | 9.3 | 1.8 | .432 | 1.0 | .520 | 0.8 | .316 | 0.7 | .471 | 1.5 | 1.9 | 0.9 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 2.2 |
| 2011-12 | Creighton | 35 | 29.9 | 4.7 | .491 | 3.3 | .543 | 1.4 | .367 | 2.7 | .699 | 3.7 | 4.5 | 5.0 | 1.1 | 0.1 | 7.0 |
| 2012-13 | Creighton | 36 | 30.8 | 5.9 | .531 | 4.4 | .575 | 1.5 | .396 | 2.2 | .756 | 3.5 | 4.1 | 5.8 | 0.9 | 0.2 | 8.5 |
| 2013-14 | Creighton | 29 | 26.1 | 4.6 | .556 | 3.1 | .618 | 1.5 | .432 | 2.3 | .612 | 2.4 | 3.3 | 3.9 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 7.2 |
| Career | Overall | 124 | 25.3 | 4.5 | .517 | 3.1 | .572 | 1.3 | .388 | 2.1 | .678 | 2.9 | 3.6 | 4.2 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 6.5 |
| Gonzaga | 24 | 9.3 | 1.8 | .432 | 1.0 | .520 | 0.8 | .316 | 0.7 | .471 | 1.5 | 1.9 | 0.9 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 2.2 | |
| Creighton | 100 | 29.1 | 5.1 | .524 | 3.7 | .575 | 1.5 | .397 | 2.4 | .693 | 3.3 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 0.9 | 0.2 | 7.6 |
Provided by CBB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 8/3/2019.
In total Gibbs played 124 games in College, but made sure to take advantage of the opportunity for scholastics gaining a journalism degree.
One area of the game which bodes well for the development of the youngsters on the Blue is Gibbs was a 38.8 percent perimeter scorer improving each of his four years in College. That is an area of the game the Thunder have long needed more attention paid to.
Given Gibbs was a player it should offer him additional insights in helping his charges improve since he’ll be able to spot mechanics and fundamental flaws in shots.