CSI’s men’s basketball team coach, TJ Tibbs has plans to pull his team far in both life and basketball.
By C.Fellows
The timer on the clock running out and the anxiety running through each player’s head is no match for Coach TJ Tibbs. Tibbs preps his team for the games of basketball and the games of life.
“If you don’t know me in my personal life and you just see me as a coach, you probably think I am two different people.” said Tibbs. Basketball has always afforded me the ability to bring out the competitive side and the passionate side that is not really shown in my personal life.”
Tibbs has been coaching basketball at CSI for 8 years, and won a championship his first year. He started his journey of sports at a very young age, and played multiple different sports until he discovered his love for basketball. While playing in college for the CSI team he set his plans on wanting to coach basketball as a career.
Tibbs explains that he sets more expectations on himself as he did play for this team, in an attempt to uphold the standards of what CSI basketball is. We can see many examples of this through his coaching. While in practices, Tibbs creates a competitive and difficult environment in order to prepare his team for anything that is to come.
He describes practices as a way to not only advance his team but to also test their limits both mentally and physically. Tibbs considers this to be a “transformation time” for the athletes and has the understanding that everybody learns differently, which is why he says patience is very important when coaching. To be patient as a coach can allow these athletes to grow as players and enhance their skills further, while being in a supportive environment.
“There’s no office hours for this job. It’s not a 9 to 5, 9 to 6 Monday through Friday” said Tibbs. “It’s really not, this job is a lifestyle.”
This job for Coach Tibbs is more than just a job and it’s more than basketball. The relationship he creates with the team both and on and off court is what makes this more than just any other job. Over his years of coaching at our college he was able to create some spectacular memories with his team. Tibbs keeps in contact with a majority of the athletes that have played for him, and describes it as a lifelong relationship. When Tibbs got engaged his entire team was there supporting him, as he does for them at every practice and game.
Compared to past coaches Zieris has had, he makes note that not many coaches will go out of their way to support their young athletes off the clock.
“Thomas as a coach, he is a great coach. He knows alot about basketball” said Zieris. I think the biggest thing about him is you can always go to him whenever you need to, it’s not really always about basketball.”
Justin Zieris is currently a senior at CSI, and one of the athletes on the basketball team. Zieris gives insight on the environment created for the team. The difference between the on the court and off the court relationship is ultimately shared between his team. Zieris describes that they can have as much fun they want off the court but when it comes to basketball they all share the passion for basketball and all have the ultimate goal to win. Over the years of playing Zieris shared how much Tibbs pushed the team to do the best of their abilities and more.
“I coach because I love basketball. I have been involved with basketball since I was born. My dad was my coach.” said Tibbs. “It was kind of part of doing something that my dad did. And it’s a way to stay involved with the game after you’re done playing.”
