You want Jason Cibull on your basketball team but Ohlone College Coach Jordan Lee has him now and that's a story unto itself. Yes, Cibull is second in the state in total assists at 6.9 per game plus possesses a 4.8:1 assist to turnover ratio which also places him second in the California community college ranks but there is so much more to his hoops attractiveness.
Asked if he sees himself as a leader on his team, he offered, "I am a leader but others on our team are as well." To a query about his best basketball skills, he responded first with "I still have a lot to learn" and "most important is what I can do to help my team win." He also still credits Kelvin "KP" Potts, his AAU coach, 'for helping me a lot and giving me a big opportunity for someone my age" and another past coach, Cameron Quick "for teaching me to play the correct way, meaning making the right decision on every possession." Plus, Mike Hudson, now the varsity head coach at Berkeley High.
So yes, Cibull is humble. Add in genuine, thoughtful, intelligent and low maintenance plus spurred by a hard work ethic. Can he also score? Check that specific talent off by noting the 32 points deposited on to Napa Valley College this November 14.
In eight games thus far this season, Cibull is averaging 13.3 points per game while shooting 50%, 45% and 94% respectively while also averaging 4.5 rebounds.
Ohlone Coach Jordan Lee offered a comprehensive take on his point: "Jason is one of, if not the very best, shot creators in junior college basketball. He makes everyone around him better and puts teammates in great scoring opportunities. I remember Jason bringing a basketball to middle school every day and constantly dribbling everywhere he went – he’s that connected with the ball in his hands. He’s shooting at 50 2FG% / 45 3FG% / 94 FT% splits on high volume which is elite. So not only is he the best assisting point guard in the state but he is a scoring threat as well. To be a huge scoring threat while still being the best assister means you have to be a cerebral player and make great reads and that’s what he does."
So why basketball for Cibull and not a different sport such as baseball or soccer? "I was surrounded by it with my family and it's the most entertaining sport."
Cibull credits his father Steve initially regarding his early basketball endeavors. "My Dad was a pretty good player in high school." Then came an emphasis on instilling overall fundamentals via the teachings of Potts and Quick and Hudson.
About his leadership on and off the court, Cibull also said, "I lead by example but also by getting on the guys about mental mistakes. But he smartly sees hanging out together off the court as an important element to the tightness of a team.
As for the next level, "I'll go anywhere where there is a good opportunity and the best overall situation." He has a 3.7 cumulative grade point average and will earn an A.A. in Business before he is done at Ohlone.
Cibull suffered a shoulder injury last year and missed the entire season leading him to realize "I am blessed just to get a chance to compete." He signed with Holy Names University out of Alameda High but entered the transfer portal after one season due to a coaching change.
As a young boy, Cibull won the Elks Hoop Shoot in 2012, a national contest held in San Mateo featuring 8-9-year-old youngsters shooting free throws. He made 19 of 25 attempts in the district finals and moved on to the next level in Sacramento.
Cibull and Jordan Lee lived in the same neighborhood. "I'd see him at the park and I've known him since I was 10 years old. I'd ask him for on court and off the court advice." Even though Lee landed the job at Ohlone in March 2022 (after assisting at College of Alameda, Cal State East Bay and then UC Riverside), "he didn't pressure me with recruiting, unlike some others. I appreciated that. He would ask how can I help you and was even willing to contact other programs for me. He's really genuine. I made the correct decision in coming to Ohlone."
It will soon be time for Cibull to make another correct decision.
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