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For those who have seen Justin Bibbs on the basketball court, the term “artist” can certainly be used. A young man of skill, intellect and athleticism, Bibbs posted an outstanding freshman season with the Hokies last year.

However, the term “artist” takes on another meaning for the sophomore from Dayton, Ohio, as true artistic ability is another one of his strengths. One with a pencil and paper.

Don’t pigeon hole, Bibbs as just an athlete. Know that all the players on the court have different talents that most fans never get to see.

Bibbs has been drawing since his childhood. And, just like in basketball, you can see an improvement in his drawing, as well.

“I started when I was 5 years old,” Bibbs said. “My Dad can draw; he would draw things like Pikachu from Pokémon. I just started with NBA players. I drew Allen Iverson all the time. It started with stick figures and it just kept progressing to actual facial expressions.”

He comes by both of his talents naturally. He considers his athletic abilities more from his maternal side; his mother has two brothers that played in the NFL, including College Football and NFL Hall of Famer Michael Haynes. But from his father’s side of the family, there is definitely an artistic bent.

“My Dad’s side of the family is really into music. His brother has a band and his sons are really into music. My Mom’s side of the family is really athletic. She has two brothers that played in the NFL.”

Bibbs has always used his drawing to help him relax. While some people listen to music to unwind, a pencil and a sheet of paper have always worked well for this young man.

“It’s only something I do when I’m at peace at night. The times that I feel it is normally at night. For me, I’ve never been like ‘Man, I’ve got to do this’. You can see it in the end results.”

Self-taught, Justin has never taken an art class. Just flat-out natural ability and a degree of “stick-to-itness” have helped him improve. And others have noticed his talent for drawing, as well.

“In high school, the school made me go into an art studio. I’ve never taken art lessons, but I’ve had some of my things displayed there. In high school back in Dayton, I’d draw something in class and everyone would want to see it, so an art teacher would frame it out in the hallway. And its still there to this day.”

Even his classmates and siblings have taken notice of his talent. It even helped him to earn a few extra bucks back in high school.

“In high school, a lot of people would get tattoos and I’d draw their tattoos. I’d actually make a little money from that. Something real cheap, like $5. I designed my brother’s a couple of times.”

Justin prefers to draw people and more often than not, he tends to lean towards NBA players and recording artists for his subject matter. He really enjoys working on facial expressions, getting a true feel for the subject.

Into the future, Justin believes that art could be in his professional future; at least once his basketball career is over. The communications major is taking a minor in art, graphic design to be precise.

“This is something I really like. I know there’s not a lot of money in it, but its something I love and would love to do it.”

So as the Hokies take the court in November, you know Hokie Nation will take notice of Justin Bibbs’ “artistry” on the court; that will be very evident. But when you are sitting in Cassell Coliseum, remember the other side of artistry that makes Justin a unique individual.

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