Rashawn Tibby Staying In State
Central Connecticut State University is on a run signing NEPSAC players—this time it’s Rashawn Tibby.
Tibby, the class of 2025 wing from South Kent School in CT, decided on CCSU after a tumultuous senior season, including injury, but not without a vocal presence on the bench during his short absence.
Rashawn Tibby is a 6’9”, by the book elite defender, capable of guarding 1-5. His skills extend beyond defense, growing as a strong rebounder this year. Tibby spent two years with South Kent and Coach Craig Carter. This past season saw the promotion of Coach Carter after years as the associate head coach at South Kent under Raphael Chillious, whom the University of Utah recently appointed as an assistant coach of their basketball team.
Coaching aside, it is difficult to teach leadership. As one of the few returning members of the South Kent squad, Coach Carter remarked on Tibby’s ability to “set the tone…and lead by regard…he made a conscious effort to be the loudest cheerleader,” when needed, and also let his game do the talking. In the ‘23-‘24 season, Tibby’s defense garnered attention on a national stage. The Jordan Brand Classic is held yearly around Christmas, showcasing top high school talent from around the country. “Will Riley had a tremendous game against us in the Jordan Brand Classic game, but the only person to make it tough for him and shut him down…was Tibby.”
Tibby’s commitment illustrates a culmination of grit, grind, and hustle. “I already knew he was ready…I saw a lot of upside in him,” said Coach Carter. With the uncertainty of the portal, Coach recognizes that colleges “give up on high school…and prep school kids…but it’s up to [Tibby] to sit there and say to himself… you know what…just go to CSSU and make it work while trying to be the best you know you can be.”
To the question—why CCSU—Coach Carter said, “Coach Sellers did a great job selling [Tibby] on how he would fit there…of him being a local kid.” Rashawn will join Ashton Reynold of Williston Northampton as another player from the NEPSAC in the 2025 recruiting class for Central Connecticut State.
Coach Carter’s straightforward advice to Tibby included a bet-on-yourself tone. “View [your commitment to CCSU] as a great opportunity to let people know how talented of a basketball player you are.” In attendance at a recent Hartford, CT, pro-am game, Coach Carter recently watched Rashawn compete against players with five to ten more years of experience. “He didn’t look nervous or apprehensive about playing…he’s very confident in his abilities…it is very rare you get guys at six-foot-nine that can guard one through four who also don’t mind the physicality of the game.”
Rashawn Tibby