Jimmy Hubbard

8/1/01: Listed as the 12th best graduating Juco SF in the country. - NBA Draft Report

July 01: Listed as the 22nd best Juco player in the country. - CBS Sportsline

5/1/01: "The NJCAA recently announced the 2001 Division II All-American players, and Johnson County Community College had two players selected. Freshman Chris Lollar and sophomore Jimmy Hubbard were among the 20 players honored. Both players played a key role in leading JCCC to a 30-6 record and a national championship. Lollar earned first-team honors and was the only freshman on the first-team. Hubbard was a third-team selection. Hubbard, a 6-foot, seven-inch forward from Belton, Mo., leaves JCCC as the most decorated player to come through the basketball program. He was twice named NJCAA All-American, and is the only two-time All-American in school history. He also helped the Cavaliers capture its first NJCAA National Championship, and post a school record 30-6 season in 2000-01. He averaged 15.0 points and 6.5 rebounds in the tournament, and was named to the NJCAA All-Tournament team. Hubbard also earned East Jayhawk All-Conference honors this season, and was twice voted the top player in Region VI Division II. Earlier this year, Hubbard was picked among the top 60 junior college players in an article written by Brick Oettinger for CNNSI.com. Last summer, he was a member of a select NJCAA All-Star team that which toured Antigua. Hubbard became just the seventh player to top 1,000 points for his career. He finished tied for fourth all-time with 1,045. Ironically, the player he tied is Deon Kayhill, JCCC’s first player to earn All-American. Hubbard averaged 15.8 points a game over his career, and scored in double figures 54 times, including 24 games with 20 or more points. He also became just the fourth player to hit more than 100 three-point baskets in his career. He finished with 130, the second highest total in school history. This season, Hubbard averaged 15 points and 6.1 rebounds a game. He also dished out 128 assists and hit 74 three-point baskets, the the fourth-highest season total in JCCC history. Hubbard also has twice hit six three-pointers in a game, which ties the fourth best single game effort at JCCC. Earlier in the season, Hubbard put on a scoring exhibition at the Jayhawk Conference Shootout against two of the top ranked Division I programs in the country. He opened the Shootout with 21 points against Garden City, leading JCCC to a thrilling 113-108 triple overtime win (12-20-00). He followed with a dominating performance over an undefeated Seward County squad, pouring in 29 points, a career high, hitting 11-of-14 shots, including 5-of-7 from 3-point range. He also pulled down eight rebounds, four assists and two steals, leading JCCC to a 98-80 win. After that weekend, Hubbard saw his basketball stock rise, as major NCAA D-I schools began to take notice. Hubbard recently signed a national letter of intent to continue his academic and athletic career at the University of Cincinnati. - Johnson County Comm College, press release

4/11: "CINCINNATI, Ohio (April 11) -- The University of Cincinnati signed a pair of forwards from the junior college ranks on the first day of college basketball's spring signing period. Derek Hollman, a 6-10, 265-pound power forward at Panola (Tex.) College, and Jimmy Hubbard, a 6-6, 210-pound small forward at Johnson County (Kan.) Community College, have signed national letters of intent to continue their basketball careers at the University of Cincinnati. Hollman averaged 12.0 points and 12.2 rebounds this past season at Panola to earn honorable mention all-region honors. A native of Itta Bena, Miss., Hollman averaged 19 points and 11 rebounds as a senior at Laflore High and began his college basketball career at Gulf Coast Community College. Hubbard scored at an 18.5-point clip with 8.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists this past season en route to second team NJCAA Division II All-American honors. He helped lead Johnson County to the NJCAA Division II national championship, earning a berth on the all-tournament team. Originally from Beltan, Mass., Hubbard scored 1,045 points and sank over 100 3-point field goals in his junior college career. "We think that both Derek and Jimmy will fill our biggest need which is rebounding the basketball," stated Cincinnati head coach Bob Huggins. "Derek is a big, strong, physical player who likes contact and will give us a physical presence in the post. We feel he is also someone we can throw it to inside who can score. "Jimmy gives us size and strength on the perimeter which will also help us improve our rebounding," Huggins added. "He shoots and passes the ball extremely well and has a great understanding of the game. The signings bring Cincinnati's recruiting class to three. Jason Maxiell, a 6-7, 230-pound forward at Newman Smith High in Carrollton, Texas, signed with the Bearcats last fall." - UCBearcats.com

4/2: "Hubbard, who led his junior college team in scoring, assists, and rebounding, reminds those who have seen him of another former Cincinnati player - Keith Gregor, because he's a pretty good athlete and he's mental tough. However, Hubbard is a better outside shooter, which helps solve another need for the Bearcats." - HoopScoop

3/27: Hubbard's team won the Division II national junior-college title.

2/22: "JUCO Junction caught up with Johnson County Head Coach Mike Jeffers on Tuesday night, and spoke with him regarding the commitment of star sophomore forward Jimmy Hubbard to Cincinnati. As reported here late last week, Hubbard took an official visit to Cincinnati for the Marquette game on Sunday, and committed to Huggins on Monday night at the conclusion of the visit.

Jeffers spoke with JUCO Junction regarding many issues surrounding the 6-6, 210 pound small forward's commitment to the Conference USA program. "Some of the other schools that had been talking to him had not pushed him that hard, and I think he looked at the situation and felt real comfortable," Jeffers said. "They are the one school that has really kind of stepped forward and said we like him and would like to have him. They are the ones that have recruited him the hardest, and my experience has always been that the school that recruits you the hardest has the most plans for him."

Jeffers said Cincinnati recruited Hubbard to play the three slot. "He'll play the three just like he does for us," he said.

Although many people have traced Cincinnati's pursuit of Hubbard to this past December's Jayhawk Shootout, the Bearcats interest in the small forward was initiated at the 1999 Shootout in Coffeyville.

"Huggins came down last year to watch Reggie Evans of Coffeyville, and Hubbard gets 28," Jeffers explained. "Then he came down this year to watch the kid from Seward (Thaydeus Holden), and Hubbard gets 29, and he said I think I am watching the wroung kids. Then he watched him last month against Cowley and Jimmy had a very solid game, he gets 17 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and does a little bit of everything that night and we beat Cowley by 15. Offensively, he is a well-rounded player."

From a defensive standpoint, Jeffers conceded that Hubbard has some work to do. "Defensively, he is going to have to get a lot better," the coach said. "One thing about Cincinnati, even in their game against Marquette, they guard you. They are pretty dang good defensively, but there are lot of programs out there that have one offensive player that they hide defensively, cause he can score and he can get other people easy shots too." Of course, there are always going to be naysayers who will question Hubbard's ability to contribute at the elite Division I level, but he's no stranger to proving himself above expectations.

He came to Johnson County after sitting out a year at D-II Central Missouri State, and has become one of the top players in arguably the top junior college league in America over the past two years. "I think that Jimmy has made a good decision, based on what his needs are and what he has been looking for the type of program he's been wanting to go to," Jeffers said. "Cincinnati fits a lot of that."

"I think Jimmy has raised his stock because of what he did last year and what he has done this year," Jeffers continued. "Our team has been successful, people see us beat Seward, Garden, Cowley and Indy, and they figure that these guys must be pretty good players. Because big-time schools are recruiting their players too, the teams that we have beaten." - Juco Junction

2/21: "Jimmy Hubbard sat in the Shoemaker Center stands Sunday night and envisioned himself coming down the court in a Bearcats uniform and nailing a 3-pointer with 13,000 fans “going crazy.” "That'd be a great feeling,” the 6-foot-6 forward from Johnson County (Kan.) Community College said. It could happen. Hubbard said Tuesday he verbally committed to attend the University of Cincinnati during a dinner with coach Bob Huggins on Monday night, just before he returned to Kansas from his official recruiting visit. Hubbard, rated among the top 60 junior-college sophomores by Prepstars.com, has said he is prepared to play whatever role Huggins asks. He plans to come to Cincinnati in June and spend the summer here. "I'm just so excited about it,” Hubbard said. “I can't wait. I've been hoping for this my whole life. Coach (Huggins) seems like the kind of coach I'm going to want to come in there and bust my tail for every day. I know he wants to win. He goes nuts when he loses.” - Enquirer

2/20: "According to Stephen Wacaser of Assists, Turnovers and Loose Balls, Hubbard can stroke it from deep."

2/19: "One day after a disappointing loss to Marquette, the University of Cincinnati received some upbeat news when junior-college small forward Jimmy Hubbard gave an oral commitment to attend the school this fall. Hubbard, a 6-foot-6 sophomore from Johnson County Community College in Shawnee Mission, Kan., committed to UC while having dinner at a riverfront restaurant with coach Bob Huggins on Monday night. "It kind of changed his mood around," Hubbard said. "He was really excited and he said he was going to celebrate a little bit and try and forget about the loss on Sunday." The Bearcats have apparently added a player who fits perfectly in Huggins' system. A complete player who has earned a reputation as hard-nosed, Hubbard is averaging 18.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists for Johnson County, and was recently selected by CNNSI.com's Brick Oettinger as one of the top 60 junior-college players in the nation. The only other school he considered visiting was Oklahoma State. "I think they liked me because of my basketball smarts,'' said Hubbard, who can also swing to the backcourt. "My job will be to come in and hit the open shots and find the open man.'' Hubbard, who made an official visit over the last two days, said his decision came down to feeling comfortable around the current players and Huggins. "Coach Huggins is a coach that I will play really hard for,'' he said. ''Plus, Cincinnati has tradition. You know you're going to the (NCAA) tournament every year." Hubbard is the second frontcourt prospect who has committed to Cincinnati. Last November, the Bearcats signed 6-7 power forward Jason Maxiell of Carrollton, Texas. Maxiell is listed by Hoop Scoop as one of the top 25 high school players in the country." - Cincy Post

2/18: "In December, Hubbard had his eyes set on low-major Division I schools such as Arkansas Little-Rock and Southwest Missouri State, but that was before he detonated in a tournament called the Jayhawk Shootout at Coffeyville Community College in Kansas. Now, Hubbard has his eyes on the University of CINCINNATI. Hubbard, a 6-foot-6 small forward from Johnson County Community College in Shawnee Mission, Kan., said on Sunday that he will probably accept a scholarship to UC and cancel his remaining visits. The only other school he's considering is Oklahoma State. "It's been nuts and it's been really exciting," Hubbard said. "It's what you dream of when you're growing up and playing basketball. After the Jayhawk Shootout, I had 20 to 25 Division I schools contact me." One junior college scout compared Hubbard, a Belton, Mo., native, to former UC standout Pete Mickeal." - Cincy Post

2/18: "Jimmy Hubbard, making an OFFICIAL RECRUITING VISIT to the University of CINCINNATI, said before Sunday night's UC-Marquette game if his trip goes well and the Bearcats offer him a scholarship, he will probably accept and not make any other visits. The 6-foot-6 small forward from Johnson County Community College in Shawnee Mission, Kan., said the only other school he is considering is Oklahoma State. Hubbard was being recruited by Arkansas-Little Rock, Birmingham Southern and Southwest Missouri State before the Jayhawk Shootout in December at Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College. “It's been nuts,” Hubbard said. “It's been overwhelming. That's what you dream of when you're growing up and playing basketball, playing at that level. It looks like I'm going to have a chance.” Hubbard, from Belton, Mo., said he likes the idea of leaving the Kansas City area." - Enquirer.com

2/16: "is expected to make a recruiting visit to the University of CINCINNATI for Sunday's home game against Marquette. Hubbard is averaging a team-high 18.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists for Johnson County, which is 20-4 and ranked fourth nationally in NJCAA Division II. He also is 66-of-136 from 3-point range. Assistant coach Derek Witt said UC, Oklahoma State, Creighton and UNLV have shown the most interest in Hubbard, though Arizona State and Oklahoma also have called. “He can stroke it from the outside, yet he can scrap around the basket and rebound a little bit,” said Russ Blake of JucoJunction.com. “He's the type of guy you wouldn't think Cincinnati would recruit, but I can see why (Bob) Huggins might be recruiting him, because of the way he plays, his toughness and his grit. “He's a basketball player. Forget about all the bells and whistles about guys being athletic and jumping to the moon. The bottom line is he really knows how to play. He understands the game.” Brick Oettinger of Prepstars.com has Hubbard rated among the top 60 junior-college sophomores. “He makes shots, he uses screens, he's well-rounded,” Witt said. “He had a triple-double last week. If you give Jimmy the open look, he'll kill you.” Witt said UC has NOT OFFERRED A SCHOLARSHIP YET. Plans for this weekend's trip were still being finalized. “He definitely wants to visit and is very interested,” Witt said. Hubbard played high school ball in Belton, Mo., then attended Division II Central Missouri State, where he redshirted in 1998-99." - Enquirer.com

2/16: "Johnson County swingman/small forward Jimmy Hubbard has seen high majors enter his recruiting process since a terrific performance at the Jayhawk Shootout in December at Coffeyville C.C. Hubbard is planning a weekend visit to CINCINNATI, but the Bearcat program is not his only option this winter. Jimmy Hubbard, a 6-6, 210 pound swingman/small forward from Johnson County C.C. in Overland Park, Kan., has planned an official visit to the University of Cincinnati this weekend. Cavalier Head Coach Mike Jeffers confirmed with JUCO Junction that Hubbard will visit the Queen City and take in the Bearcats' game against Marquette on Sunday night. Johnson County has a game on Saturday at Highland C.C., meaning that Hubbard probably won't leave for Cincinnati until Sunday morning, Jeffers surmised. He is expected to return back to Kansas on Monday night. In addition to Cincinnati, Creighton, Oklahoma State, East Tennessee and Appalachian State have remained in contact with Hubbard this winter, Jeffers said. Cincinnati Head Coach Bob Huggins evaluated Hubbard back on January 15th in a Cavalier victory over Cowley County. "Right now, they've expressed the most interest in Jimmy," Jeffers told JUCO Junction on Thursday night. "Huggins has been in, and they're bringing him in for a visit. They're ahead of the curve right now." Hubbard averages 16.9 points per game and has tossed in 44 three pointers this season. A native of Belton, Mo., Hubbard attended Central Missouri State in 1998-99, but did not play basketball at the Division II program. He was a standout last year as a freshman at Johnson County, but his stock did not take off until December of 2000, when he led the Cavaliers to a pair of upset victories over Garden City and Seward County at the Jayhawk Shootout. At that event, Hubbard showed an accomplished three point stroke and the ability to score both inside and out. Though he may lack ideal quickness and might be a question mark defensively at the Conference USA level, Hubbard brings a savvy and toughness to the table that many coaches crave." - JucoJunction

2/14: "I know he is making a VISIT. I don't know which weekend. I believe he is going to the game Cincy plays Marquette." - Tyler Cundith, Johnson City CC sports information

2/14: "Jimmy Hubbard is supposed to officially visit CINCINNATI this weekend. A lot of people compare him to Pete Mickael" - Bullseye, AllStar Report

2/13/01: rumor: Jimmy Hubbard is visiting Clifton this weekend.

2/1: "Johnson County Community College sophomore forward Jimmy Hubbard was picked among the top 60 junior college players in a recent article written by Brick Oettinger for CNNSI.com. According to Oettinger, the consensus this year is that there is a better crop of frontcourtmen than guards in the junior college sophomore class of 2001. Hubbard is a 6-foot-6 offensive minded small forward, who has seen his stock soar as the season has gone on. Last season as a freshman, Hubbard had an outstanding campaign, earning All-American honors while averaging 17 points and six rebounds a game. He was also one of 12 players selected to the NJCAA All-Star team which toured Antigua. Despite the numbers and accolades, Hubbard wasn’t getting the looks he desired. Prior to the annual Jayhawk Conference Shootout in Coffeyville, the schools showing interest included Arkansas Little Rock and Birmingham Southern, as well as Central Missouri State, the school he transferred from after a redshirt season in 1998-99. But all that changed after the shootout. Hubbard put on an scoring exhibition against two of the top ranked teams in the country. He opened with 21 points against Garden City, leading JCCC to a thrilling 113-108 triple overtime win. Hubbard and Cavaliers followed with a dominating performance over an undefeated Seward County squad. Hubbard poured in 29, hitting 11-of-14 shots, including 5-for-7 from three-point range. He also pulled down eight rebounds, had four assists and two steals, which led JCCC to a 98-80 win. Since then, Hubbard has continued to play well. He is averaging 17 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.3 assists a game, and has his team off to one of the best season’s in school history at 17-5 and a No. 5 national ranking the NJCAA D-II poll. Additionally, major NCAA D-I schools are taking notice. Cincinnati, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Creighton and UNLV to name a few have been calling for Hubbard’s talents next season. JCCC head coach Mike Jeffers attributes Hubbard’s recent rise to his ability to play a complete game. An example came in JCCC ‘s most recent win, a 111-85 romp over Neosho County. Hubbard scored 13 points, slightly below his average. But he pulled down 10 rebounds, dished out seven assists and played tremendous defense against one of the more potent offenses in the region and country. But Hubbard’s stock is the only thing rising. So is his assault on JCCC’s all-time performance lists. Hubbard recently took over the 18th spot on JCCC’s career scoring list with 854 points. He is on pace to become just the seventh player in Cavalier history to top 1,000 points in a career. The last player to accomplish that was Malcolm Daniels ten years ago. Hubbard also recently scored his 100th career three-point basket, becoming just the fourth player in Cavalier history reach that goal. By season’s end, Hubbard could etch his name in eight different career categories." - JCCC.net


1/21:
http://web.wichitaeagle.com/content/wichitaeagle/2001/01/21/basketball/sjnote0121_txt.htm

"He's averaging 18 points and 4.5 assists, leading the Cavs to a 14-4 record through Friday. And his top three schools look a little different now. "I'd have to mention Cincinnati, Oklahoma State and UNLV," he said. "But there are a lot more, and I'm still wide open." Hubbard's still trying to fathom it all. Creighton's Dana Altman and Cincy's Bob Huggins, who hopped a private jet to Kansas City, saw him play Monday night in a victory over Cowley County. "Actually, it's all still overwhelming," Hubbard said. "When coaches you see on TV all the time are calling you, well, it's not a bad thing." It begs a question, though: Why weren't these schools looking at Hubbard last season? Has he improved that much? "I think it's because we're winning," Hubbard said. "Last season, we were a game under .500. This season, we've won, and I think coaches see good teams and want to know who their best players are. "I'm glad they're looking at me. It's made everything worth it, especially when everyone doubted me. It's unbelievable how it's all worked out." - Wichita Eagle


Hubbard is 6'6", 210 lbs and originally from Belton HS in Belton, Mo.

1/16: "It seems like if one person misses one, we let out a sigh and start missing more," Johnson forward Jimmy Hubbard said. "But if one person makes one, we all start making them. We needed to make them tonight." There were numerous Division I coaches in attendance, including Cincinnati's Bob HUGGINS and Creighton's Dana Altman, for a key conference game. That atmosphere affected the game from the opening tip. "Both teams were really tight," Jeffers said. "We're a set-offense type of team, but in the second half, we started to run, and it worked well." Specifically, it worked during a 13-0 run late in the second half that gave Johnson a 59-52 lead with 4:57 to play. From that point on, Johnson controlled the game on both ends. The Cavaliers (14-3, 4-1 Jayhawk East), ranked fifth in NJCAA Division II, shut down the Tigers' offense and kept hitting free throws. The 6-foot-6 Hubbard, who has quickly become one of the top junior-college prospects in the country, was key. He scored 13 of his 19 points in the second half. "After losing to Coffeyville, we couldn't let this one go," said Hubbard, who was suspended for the Coffeyville game for breaking a team rule. "You have to defend your home turf to have a shot in our league." - Wichita Eagle