Richard Bland College sophomore men’s basketball standout Ricky Hicks/Bronx, New York has been named the Athletics Department’s Athlete of the Week for the period January 16-22. The 6-0 guard helped the Statesmen (12-5, 6-3 Region 10) to 1-1 week, including a thrilling 99-94 overtime home win past No. 11 Louisburg (N.C.) on Jan. 22 after a 76-73 home setback to Wake Tech (N.C.) on Jan. 20.
Hicks posted 10 points, six assists, three rebounds and three steals against the nationally-ranked Hurricanes, and made the go-ahead three-point field goal with 5.5-seconds remaining in OT (97-94), toward the exciting victory. He had two points, 10 assists, three rebounds and one steal against the Eagles.
Hicks has started eight of 17 games this season, averaging 7.1 points, 5.5 assists and 22.1 minutes, while shooting 49% (45-92) from the field, including 35% (6-17) on three-pointers, and 86% (25-29) at the free throw line. Hicks is ranked 26th nationally in assists per game (5.5), and adds 47 rebounds, 32 steals and one block.
Please see below for a brief Q&A on his Athlete of the Week selection. Athletes of the Week are chosen by members of the Richard Bland Athletics Department.
Q: How does it feel to be named Richard Bland Athlete of the Week?
RH: It’s an honor and illustrates the hard work I put in is not going unnoticed.
Q: How did you get started in your sport and how long have you played?
RH: I’ve played basketball since I was able to walk. I really started getting into it at age six or seven, when my uncle Jermaine used to take me to the park.
Q: What do you like most about your team?
RH: Our relationships off the court. We’re really a family.
Q: Who is your funniest teammate/why?
RH: Brandon Henry, by far. Never a dull moment with him.
Q: Do you have any pregame rituals/superstitions?
RH: No
Q: What is your favorite place on campus/why?
RH: Either Statesman Hall or the Library. I spend a lot of time in the gym and the library is a nice, peaceful place where I get most of my work done.
Q: What is your favorite class/professor/why?
RH: Our spring semester classes just started, so I don’t yet have a favorite; however, based on previous semesters, my favorite isDr. Tiffany Birdsong, Assistant Professor of Psychology. She’s very engaged in class and is willing to go over and beyond to help her students.
—
Greg Prouty
Director of Athletics Communications
