Blue Jay of the Month: Gus Laibe
From hitting the big shots in the Benson Arena and to hitting the streets of Paris, France, Gus Laibe has done it all.
“Laibe from three!” It is a common enough phrase heard at any Jesuit basketball game, but there is certainly nothing common about Gus Laibe. The one and only Gustave “Gus” Laibe, the 6’1” senior guard of the Blue Jay basketball team sat down with the Blue Jay for an exclusive interview:
Q: So Gus, how did you decide to come to Jesuit High School?
A: My grandfather and my brother went here; there was no choice for me but to attend Jesuit. The “J” runs in the blood.
Q: You are certainly famous on the court. Can you describe your basketball journey?
A: It was the last day of 5th grade basketball tryouts at Christian Brothers and I decided to give it a try. I went through the stages of tryouts, made the final roster, and never looked back since. If it were not for Coach Collins giving me the opportunity, I would not be here wearing #4.
Q: We obviously see you working hard on the court, what other activities and organizations are you a part of?
A: I am a five year Student Council member and also participate in the French Club. I also was Class President in 8th and 10th grade.
Q: Most students will spend a semester studying abroad while in college, but you did one already in high school. Can you take us through your semester in France?
A: My siblings did study abroad before and saw the impact of it, so I was eventually going to do it. It came earlier than expected when my dad had a business opportunity in France. The Laibe’s decided to pack our bags and spend some time there together. Jesuit helped throughout the time I was away to ensure all my credits remained in good standing. My parents also want me to know a second language, and my time in France allowed me to learn even more French.
Q: Was it difficult to have to temporarily leave this school, your friends, basketball?
A: It was hard, but supportive people around me made the process easier. Eventually I came to embrace it and ended up loving it. The basketball I played in France helped prepare me for this season. European basketball is so underrated.
Q: How did your return play out?
A: Some people forgot that I was ever here. Other people had wide open arms and missed me dearly. I did have to miss my junior season here so that was kind of a bummer.
Q: Where do you see yourself after you graduate from here?
A: I’d like to go to [University of Colorado] Boulder and study French. I can see myself working in international business especially between the US and France. But I’m not too sure for now. We’ll see what the future brings.
Q: Looking back at your time at Jesuit, who is your favorite teacher?
A: Mr. Benoit. He taught my older brother all five years, he has taught me all five years, and he will teach my younger brother all five years too. In class he has taught me so many things beyond just the French language. He truly cares about his students.
Q: You’re in your 5th year right now. Do you have any senioritis?
A: I have plenty of it. Basketball keeps me going. It is the ultimate senioritis cure. But really, I want to give a shout out to my team, my teammates, and the Gizzard. Let’s fill-up the Gizzard for all our spring sports and bring home some more state championship. Go Jays!
You can follow Jesuit Basketball and their off season training on X @BlueJay_Hoops