Bibby Joins the 76ers as an Assistant Coach

Henry Bibby, former coach of the USC men and the WNBA’s Sparks, was hired Tuesday by the Philadelphia 76ers as an assistant on Coach Maurice Cheeks’ staff, replacing Jim Lynam.

Bibby, a 56-year-old former 76er teammate of Cheeks’, most recently coached the Sparks and was replaced in August amid a 13-15 season. He coached USC for nine seasons and was 133-111 before being fired four games into last season.

“I’m happy for him. He’s a great coach,” said USC junior guard Lodrick Stewart. “At the NBA level, I think he’ll do well with those players. He’s real disciplined, and a lot of NBA players need that type of coach. I think he’ll do good at that level.”

Lynam, who took a leave of absence in October, said this month that he wouldn’t return this season because of undisclosed health reasons.

*

Orlando forward Grant Hill traveled to Philadelphia to have his sports hernia reevaluated, though he is expected to be available for tonight’s game against Washington. Hill, who missed the first 19 games this season after undergoing surgery for a sports hernia, sat out five of the last seven games because of pain in the same area.

*

New York Knick guard Stephon Marbury, who hasn’t missed a game because of injury in five years, is doubtful tonight at Chicago because of a sprained left shoulder. Marbury was hurt in Monday’s loss to Minnesota while trying fight through a Wally Szczerbiak pick. X-rays revealed no fracture, but Marbury’s arm was in a sling Tuesday.