Backed by chemistry and commitment, CSI aims to raise the bar.
By: Precious Dillon
As CSI’s men’s basketball team progresses through preseason with the November season opener nearing, head coach Tj Tibbs remains confident. He emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement and team chemistry. This season, Tibbs has high expectations for his players combining experience and new talent .
“They probably have had the best preseason than any team I’ve ever coached, but again that doesn’t mean anything,” said Tibbs. “You can lose a game in the preseason but you can’t win a game in the preseason.”
While Tibbs knows a strong preseason doesn’t guarantee anything, he believes it reflects the mindset this group has developed. His expectations go beyond wins and losses, he wants to see accountability, unselfishness and daily effort.
Tibbs feels the group is a championship basketball team that will go far no matter what. While having this confidence, the work is far from done. Tibbs’ main goal is to get better every single day.
“We’re playing tough teams every night,” said Tibbs. “I’m looking forward to improving every time as well.”
On the court and off the court, bonding plays a huge factor into the teams growth and chemistry. With a roster of 13, eight returners and five newcomers, Tibbs feels it’s on the coaches to mix the groups, as well as the players to determine who plays.
Practice, effort, and experience on the CSIs men’s basketball team doesn’t automatically guarantee any excessive playing time. Tibbs feels there’s 13 players and coaches his players need to know and all 13 should be ready to suit up at any time.
“I’m looking forward to going to Florida. Last time I went, we got smoked, so I’m excited to go back with the program that we are now to play against two really good teams,” said Tibbs. “The opportunity to go out there and represent the program is amazing.”
Tibb’s coaching style blends intensity with care, demanding on the court, but invested in his players off it. His ability to build trust while still pushing players to grow is something that has helped define the team’s culture. It’s a balance he believes is necessary for the team to reach its full potential.
Mitchell Wiggan, sophomore guard on the team, is a returning player looking forward to seeing where this team can go. Wiggan believes in strong team chemistry and has confidence in his fellow players and coaching staff.
“One word I’d say to describe the season predictions is far,” said Wiggan. “Tibbs is a welcoming and loving guy, very brutally honest, but it works.”
Now in his second year, Wiggan’s experience has given him a new appreciation for both his coach and the team’s evolving dynamic. Tibbs’ coaching style is rooted in connection, something he believes is essential to a team’s growth.
“At some point in the year they’re going to be mad at me for yelling, but they understand that I love them,” said Tibbs.
“It’s a collaborative effort; there is no such thing as coaching without a relationship and we do a lot of bonding and integrate ourselves with the team,” said Tibbs. “I think that helps a lot for when we need to coach them for stuff that they don’t know that they need at the moment.”
As preseason winds down, the energy inside the program continues to build. With a strong foundation of team chemistry, daily effort, and clear expectations, the Dolphins are eager to see how far their preparation can take them. The goal isn’t just to compete but to grow with each game and put themselves in a position to go far when it matters most.
“I have the utmost confidence in my team and my coaching staff on what we can do,” said Tibbs. “We just have to go out there, not talk about it, and do it on a consistent basis.”
