Gibbs, Jeff

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Gibbs, Jeff

Jeff Gibbs’ career has been about defying the odds. It was thought to be impossible that someone could become an All-American in both basketball and football, but Jeff became the first. 

 

As a 6-1 center for the basketball team, Jeff graduated as Otterbein’s all-time leading rebounder (1,496) and ranked fifth on the all-time scoring list (1,924) while playing against men much taller then him. For a football tight end to graduate holding career records for most touchdowns (29) and most receiving yardage (2,476) would be inconceivable, but Jeff did just that while also ranking second in career receptions with 162. 

 

His most amazing feat, however, would come his senior year in 2002 as he was named Division III Player of the Year in basketball while leading his team to Otterbein’s first national championship in any team sport. He averaged 23 points and 16 rebounds per game that winter, including a whopping 25 and 25 in the title game while playing all 40 minutes.

 

These accomplishments led Jeff to be named to the D3hoops Division III All-Decade team, and into a lengthy career overseas. He led Germany's top division in rebounding four-straight seasons, becoming a 4x All-German League honoree and apeparing in the All-Star Game twice.

 

Nicknamed "Mr. Incredible" for his work on the boards, Gibbs later transitioned to Japan prior to the 2011 season and has enjoyed continued success during runs with the Toyota Alvark and Link Tochigi Brex.

 

He has won a league title, received AsiaBasket.com and Japanese Superleague first team accolades, played in the JBL All-Star Game and earned Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2016. Gibbs delivered 17 points and 10 rebounds per game during the 2013-14 campaign and has averaged double figures every season in Japan.