Pepperdine Inks 7-0 Canadian Center Russell Hicks To National Letter-of-Intent
5/14/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
May 14, 2004
Russell Hicks, a 7-foot center from Niagara Falls, has signed a national letter-of-intent to attend Pepperdine this fall, head coach Paul Westphal announced on Friday. Hicks will provide the Waves with a strong presence inside as he possesses athleticism, mobility, good hands and a solid shooting touch for a 7-footer.
Hicks, who attended Westlane High in Ontario, Canada, recently competed in the Adidas All-Canadian High School Basketball Game where he impressed fans with his shot-blocking and defensive skills. He was one of 22 players selected from across the country for the showcase event at the Hershey Centre in Mississauga that also included 7-foot-1 Ivan Chiriaev, who recently declared himself eligible for June's NBA draft.
Hicks scored seven points in the contest and made it to the finals of the three-point competition that was part of the all-star game's festivities.
Hicks made a name for himself at the Adidas ABCD camp earlier this year where he intrigued coaches with his mobility and touch around the basket. He shot 60 percent from the field at ABCD and was among the Top 10 in blocked shots.
After the camp, Hicks was ranked amongst the Top 15 at his position by Clark Francis and the Hoopscoop squad.
Hicks' performance at the camp elicited offers from numerous colleges throughout the country before he made the decision to attend Pepperdine.
