Ricketts named Freshman All-American

FAYETTEVILLE – The postseason honors for University of Arkansas freshman guard Ceira Ricketts continue with her selection to the Full Court Press Freshman All-America Team.

The Southeastern Conference Co-Freshman of the Year and the Associated Press SEC Newcomer of the Year was selected second-team All-America by the basketball publication.

“I feel like I’ve said quite a few times this year, but once again, we are very proud of what Ceira has accomplished this season,” UA women’s basketball coach Tom Collen said. “It was quite an honor for her to be recognized as the league freshman of the year, but to be recognized nationally is a step to the next level.”

Ricketts led Arkansas in scoring, assists and steals as the Razorbacks went 18-14 and returned to the postseason for the first time since 2005.

Averaging 12.6 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 3.9 apg and 2.6 spg, Ricketts became the first player in Razorback women’s basketball history to record a triple double. The 5-8 Louisville, Ky., product scored 14 points with 13 rebounds and 12 assists against SEC Champion Auburn in January.

“It gives us a great deal of pride and comfort that we have her for three more years,” Collen said. “We all hoe this is just the first step of the journey in leading Arkansas back to national prominence.”

A five-time pick as the SEC Freshman of the Week, Ricketts was named second team All-SEC by the league coaches and honorable mention All-SEC by the AP writers.

Ricketts was the top scoring freshman in the SEC for most of the season, and led the league in steals. Along with her triple, the freshman had four more double-double games with over 10 points scoring and 10 rebounds. From her point guard position, Ricketts was Arkansas’ second leading rebounder.

“There is no doubt in my mind that we’re just scratching the surface of what Ceira can do on the college level,” Collen said. “I think she would tell you she still has a lot to learn.”

Full Court Press picked two other SEC players for its 15-player freshman team. Tennessee’s Shekinna Stricklen was first-team, while the Co-Freshman of the Year with Ricketts, LSU’s LaSondra Barrett, was also second-team. The national freshman of the year was Ohio State’s Samantha Prahalis.

As the Razorbacks head into the off-season, Arkansas is deep on the perimeter next season, with three returning guards earning SEC honors. Along with Ricketts, junior Charity Ford was named the SEC’s Sixth Player of the Year, while freshmen guards Ricketts and Lyndsay Harris were both selected to the SEC All-Freshman team.

“A lot of times this year, Ceira has been the focus of an award, but we all know she’s just one of several newcomers that have had an impact at Arkansas,” Collen added.

Next up for the Razorbacks is the opening of the spring National Letter of Intent period on April 15.