Searcy alum, Tarleton State guard Freddy Hicks signs with Arkansas State

JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) - A D1 standout from Searcy is coming to Jonesboro.

Freddy Hicks committed to Arkansas State Sunday. The school made the signing official Tuesday.

“We are so excited to bring Freddy Hicks back home,” head coach Bryan Hodgson said in a release. “Freddy is bringing toughness, versatility and a level of experience that will greatly benefit this program. Freddy was one of the best two-way players in the transfer portal, and is ready to follow in his dad’s footsteps, to help take this program back to the NCAA tournament. Freddy could have gone anywhere in the country, but chose to come back home and be a Red Wolf, and I can’t wait to coach him.”

The sophomore guard led Tarleton State in scoring this past season, averaging 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists per game. Hicks had a pair of 30-point performances against Drake in November and against Radford in the first round of the College Basketball Invitational.

The CBI performance was part of a strong finish to the year. After missing 9 games ranging from late December to early January, Hicks averaged 20.3 points per game over his final 4 games. That includes scoring 30 points with 11 rebounds and 4 steals in that Radford game.

Hicks entered the portal in March, he chose the Red Wolves over Arkansas, California, Colorado State, and SMU. He also took official visits with Arkansas and SMU.

Hicks played in a total of 74 games for the Texans over the last 3 seasons. He was the 2021 WAC Freshman of the Year and landed on the 2023 All-WAC 2nd Team. Hicks had a decorated high school career in the Natural State. He’s the all-time leading scorer at Searcy High School (1,600+ points), Hicks was a 2020 All-State selection.

The 6-6 combo guard and forward excelled at getting to the charity stripe. He attempted 181 free throws this past season, and 148 in 2021-2022. His 8 fouls drawn per 40 minutes ranked fourth in the country this season.

Freddy will have two seasons of eligibility remaining. He’ll suit up for Arkansas State just like his father. Freddy Hicks Sr. played four seasons for the Indians including the renowned 1998-1999 team. That squad won the Sun Belt Championship and is the only team in program history to play in the NCAA Tournament. The A-State all-time blocks leader (204) won back-to-back Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year honors in 1998 and 1999.