Hibbert facing sizable battle

• Article
• Comments ()
• Click-2-Listen
• Videos

By

Roy Hibbert is the erstwhile project who has an opportunity to move up in class with a strong showing against the wunderkind known as Greg Oden.

This matchup of centers is a joy because of its rarity. Oden has been the subject of fawning since his high school days. Hibbert just now is playing his way into the national basketball conscious.

To the question of what he knows of the celebrated one, Hibbert says, "I've heard of him."

This is offered with a wide grin and a string of superlatives.

"He's a great player," Hibbert says. "I can't wait to play against him. It's going to be a fun game. He's done so much for his team in a short period of time."

Hibbert has considerable work ahead before he is accorded a fraction of the reverence extended to Oden. Hibbert was not even the leading center in the Big East going into the season. That distinction went to Aaron Gray of Pittsburgh.

Hibbert makes it clear not to confuse the plodding Gray with the quick-on-his-feet Oden.

"He's so much more athletic than Gray," Hibbert says.

Hibbert has evolved mostly because of grit and perseverance. His contributions are based on having a command of fundamentals than raw ability. He has come as far in his development as the Georgetown basketball program, from afterthought to the Final Four.

Hibbert is a 7-foot-2 mountain of a young man who embraces the tradition of Georgetown big men. He is not in the mold of Patrick Ewing or Alonzo Mourning or Dikembe Mutombo -- each more athletic than him -- but he has added polish and strength to his previously rudimentary state.