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Ricks selected first-team NJCAA D-II All-American
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Johnson County Community College
Press Release

College Information and Publications
913-469-8500
Julie Haas, Director, ext. 3120
Peggy Graham, Writer, ext. 3425
Tyler Cundith, Sports Information Director, ext. 3122

4/9/2008
Story by Tyler Cundith

Ricks selected first-team NJCAA D-II All-American

Rick Nafis
Nafis Ricks
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -- Johnson County Community College freshmen guard Nafis Ricks of Philadelphia, Pa., has been named to 2008 NJCAA Division II All-America first-team  He is JCCC’s 11th player to earn All-America accolades, but just the second to earn first-team honors. He joins Chris Lollar as the only two first-team All-Americans in Cavalier basketball history.    Ricks also earned second-team East Jayhawk Conference honors, was voted the East Jayhawk Conference Freshman of the Year and selected as a first-team All-Region VI performer.   He is the first player in team history to earn Freshman of the Year. 

Ricks helped JCCC to a 21-12 record, a No. 14 ranking in the final NJCAA Division II poll, a Region VI title and a runner-up finish in the District 10 Championship.  The team’s 21 victories are the most since 2001-02, and tie the second-best season total in the 17-year tenure of head coach Mike Jeffers.

Ricks led the team in scoring (15.4), rebounding (7.4) and steals (87). His 87 steals tie the fifth-best season in school history.  Ricks led JCCC in scoring in 16 games, was the top rebounder 18 times and game leader in assists six times.  He scored in double figures in 27 games, and had six double doubles of points and rebounds.  Twice Ricks was selected the NJCAA D-II Player of the Week.  His first honor came the week of Nov. 28.   The freshman guard led JCCC to a pair of victories over Cloud County Community College and Hutchinson Community College at the Hutchinson Thanksgiving Classic last weekend. Ricks scored 12 points and grabbed seven rebounds with three assists and two steals in a 60-54 win over Cloud County. He then netted 14 points with eight rebounds and five assists in a 80-68 win over Hutchinson.  Ricks’ second honor came the week of Feb. 6 when he averaged 28.5 points and 10.5 rebounds in JCCC two games that week.  He had 26 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and three steals in leading the Cavaliers to a 75-61 road victory over Highland.  He followed with a career-high 31 points, along with 11 rebounds, two assists and two steals in a near upset of Division I nationally ranked Independence.

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For schedules, rosters, and other team information, go to JCCC's Athletics Web site:
http://www.jccc.edu/athletics