Jess Bibby wasn't supposed to reach 300 games, writes JON TUXWORTH
Jess Bibby vividly remembers the neurosurgeon laughing in her face, telling her she'd never set foot on a basketball court again.
That was 12 years ago, but the heartbreak of being told a chronic back injury would force her to quit the game she loves feels like yesterday.
The Canberra Capitals skipper will tonight become just the tenth player to notch 300 WNBL games. It's the adversity she has overcome that makes her milestone so special.
Bibby began her career at Dandenong and played her 111th game when she was 21. She was 24 before she was fit to player her 112th.
She missed two seasons, and was told she faced the prospect of pain management for the rest of her life.
But the word ''quit'' isn't in the effervescent guard's vocabulary.
The 32-year-old has made a point of proving the doctors wrong, ever since the deadlift gone wrong that changed her career forever.
Tonight when she steps out on court to face the AIS, Bibby admits the tumultuous path she's taken will fill her with a heightened sense of pride.
''As it's got closer I've just realised it is pretty special to get here after missing such a big patch of time,'' Bibby said.
''I walked out of the doctor's office and burst into tears, and Mum started mentioning we'll get you playing wheelchair basketball.
''When you're 21 you think you're invincible, just get me on the physio table and wave the magic wand.
''But to me basketball's a religion, and I certainly wasn't going to allow myself to retire because of a back injury.''
It sounds ironic, but Bibby may not have reached 300 WNBL games had her back not given way. She played a WNBA season with New York Liberty in 2000, and was set to return there before fate intervened.
Who knows, she may have realised a childhood dream of playing for Australia at the Olympics and world championships.
But Bibby doesn't deal with ''what ifs'' and ''if onlys'', her glass is always half full.
''Everybody's dream is to go to the Olympics and I'd be lying if that wasn't mine either,'' she said.
''If I don't get hurt maybe I go overseas again, but I wouldn't have been given the privilege of playing 300 games in this league.
''Thinking about that stuff doesn't do justice to everything else you've achieved, everybody walking this planet could say 'if only I'd done this or that'.''
Bibby has won three of her five WNBL championships at Canberra, but she revealed her back almost prevented her from ever pulling on the Capitals singlet.
She had signed with the club just two months before, but she contemplated ripping up her contract after another severe flare-up.
''I walked into Graffy's [coach Carrie Graf's] office and nearly pulled the pin before I played a game,'' Bibby said. ''I didn't say anything to anybody, but I went up to Sydney to see my physio [Amanda Berntsen] without telling anyone, knowing if I didn't see any improvement I'd have to call it quits.
''Luckily it settled down, and here I am.''
Graf, a 15-year coach in the WNBL, rates Bibby one of the greatest sharpshooters she has witnessed in her decorated career.
That was on display when Bibby hit a league-record eight consecutive three-pointers against the AIS last season.
''In terms of a pure shooter that can come off a screen and hit a shot, she's got to be in the top ten,'' Graf said.
''And as a specialist three-point shooter, she'd be in the top five in the league all-time, in terms of the danger she creates for teams.''
Now in her 15th season in the league, Bibby is a long way from contemplating retirement.
She will begin a primary teaching degree this year but, if her back allows, she plans to play on for at least three more seasons.
If that is the case she may fall just short of the WNBL games record of 377, held by former Canberra skipper Lucille Bailie and Rachael Sporn.
''Hopefully it's not taken out of my hands and it's Graffy saying 'I think you're done','' Bibby said.
''There'll be a sign at some point where I say it's time to go, but that hasn't arrived yet.''
If you ask Graf, that time is still years away.
The Capitals are currently negotiating with Bibby to re-sign her for the next two seasons.
Graf believes Bibby can emulate Australian legends Tully Bevilaqua and Robyn Maher and play into her late 30s or early 40s.
Graf is adamant Bibby's bubbly and positive approach will allow her to squeeze every last drop of basketball out of her body.
''No one compares in terms of the natural energy and love of the game she has,'' Graf said.
''If her back can hold up, there's no question she's someone who can play into her 40s.
''Bibby had basketball taken away, and that's where some of her passion and enthusiasm comes from.
''She literally plays and practices like it could be the last one.''
This reporter is on Twitter: @tuxy81
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