Cobras sign University of Maryland star Chloe Bibby

The Kilsyth Cobra's have just announced the in-season signing of former University of Maryland star Chole Bibby. Picture: SUPPLIED.

The NBL1 Kilsyth Cobra Women have made a huge in-season addition to their roster, signing collegiate star Chloe Bibby for the remainder of the 2022 season.

A Victorian native, Bibby enjoyed a stellar collegiate career in the US, both with the University of Maryland (2020-22) and Mississippi State (2017-2020).

In her two seasons with Maryland, Bibby led the Terps to back-to-back NCAA Sweet Sixteen appearances, averaging 12.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals across 61 games.

Her standout play earned her All-Big Ten Second Team honours in 2022 and an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention in 2021, establishing herself as one of the top players in one of college basketball’s toughest conferences.

Bibby’s college dominance then led to a WNBA preseason opportunity, with the 6’2 forward signing a training camp contract with the Minnesota Lynx in April.

Prior to her time at Maryland, Bibby played three seasons with powerhouse Mississippi State, averaging 9.1 points and 4.8 rebounds per game over the last two seasons with the Bulldogs. Bibby earned preseason All-SEC honors prior to the 2019-20 season, and averaged 11.9 points on 48 per cent shooting from the field, 45 per cent from three and 85 per cent from the foul line in 2018-19 as she emerged as one of the NCAA’s most efficient scorers. In her freshman campaign, Bibby played a key role off the bench for the 37-2 Bulldogs as they advanced to the NCAA Championship Game.

Bibby’s success has not been limited to the college game, though. She was selected to the Australian U19 National Team in 2017, ranking second on the Gems in scoring and third in rebounding at the FIBA World Cup in Italy. As a 19 year-old in the SEABL, Bibby led the Bendigo Braves in scoring in 2017 (17.9ppg), and also enjoyed a successful stint in the WNBL as a teenager with the Dandenong Rangers.

Now back home for the first time in five years, Bibby is set to play a big role with the Cobras, with her ability to score at will off the bounce, shoot the three at an elite level, and winning pedigree making her an ideal match for head coach, Hannah Lowe’s system — and a perfect frontcourt pairing with Lauren Scherf.

“It’s exciting to see Chloe return to Australian basketball and we are very pleased it’s with Kilsyth,” Lowe said.

“At the NCAA level, Chloe has had a decorated career at both Mississippi State and more recently Maryland. She adds versatility, strength and experience, and we can’t wait to see her on court as a Cobra.”