Hibbert Decides On Big 12 Program

Naji Hibbert is the latest 2009 prospect to commit. The four-star wing has decided to play his college ball in the Big 12.

Texas A&M spent a lot of time on Naji Hibbert this spring, and on Sunday night all of their hard work paid off as they picked up a verbal commitment from the talented guard.

“From my standpoint they worked the hardest,” Hibbert’s AAU coach, Carlton Carrington, said. “They didn’t throw any curves, they came in kicking and screaming and worked the hardest. They showed him a lot of stuff and it’s a great situation for him.”

Hibbert, of Hyattsville (Md.) DeMatha Catholic, had a bunch of high major programs interested, but according to Carrington, of Team Melo, it ultimately came down to Texas A&M and Xavier.

The 6-foot-5, 180-pound wing had a solid junior season and has had an up and down spring. His AAU coach said he’s versatile prospect that will be able to help A&M in a number of areas.

“Naji can play three different positions – the one, two and three, Carrington said. “He’s best with the ball in his hands. He’s at his best when he can make plays.”

Scott Spinelli was the point man throughout Hibbert’s recruitment, and the Aggie assistant trailed him at events during the spring open period. Although Spinelli laid the groundwork, it was the head coach that finished it off.

“[Spinelli] came in and worked his end and then Coach Turgeon kind of sealed the deal because Turgeon built a relationship with Naji,” Carrington said. “The head coach recruited him just has hard as Spinelli.”

Hibbert, who is ranked No. 100 overall, is Texas A&M’s first commitment for the 2009 class.