Ottumwa -- Gary Ricks, Jr., a Southern California guy who started his college basketball career in Iowa, will stay in the state to continue his education and career. Ricks, a native of Sylmar, Cal., has signed a letter of intent with Drake University.
Ricks earned Honorable Mention All-American honors after a sophomore season in which he led Indian Hills to a seventh-place finish at the NJCAA national tournament and a 33-4 record. He averaged 10.0 points a game, led the team in free throw percentage (.732) and three-pointers (97) and was a second-team All-Region choice.
Playing in all 70 IHCC games over the past two seasons, Ricks was one of the best three-point shooters in school history. He had a total of 170 3s, three shy of the school record held by Dwight Hardy. His 97 threes this year were five fewer than Hardy's single-season record.
Ricks had a career scoring average of 11.2 and led the team in free throw percentage as a freshman as well, shooting .807 from the line. His two-year three-point field goal percentage was .424.
Drake coach Mark Phelps said, "Gary is one of the top shooters in the country. He brings maturity and leadership to our team at the guard position."
"He is a winner who will improve all aspects of our guard play next year. We are extremely excited about his joining our family."
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