Sam Hicks is back

Here's a two-fer on former Liberty Christian star frontcourter Sam Hicks and his return to northern California.

From Chico State athletics:

Hicks' homecoming a windfall for Wildcats.
Luke Reid - Chico State Sports Information Director
6/7/2011

Sam Hicks is coming back home to Northern California, and Chico State Men’s Basketball Coach Greg Clink could not be happier. Hicks, a graduate of Redding’s Liberty Christian High School, is transferring to Chico State after two seasons in the Boise State basketball program. The 6-foot-9, 245-pounder will enter this season as a sophomore.

“Sam will provide another scoring threat for us on the front line,” said Clink. “He’s very skilled with his back to the basket and very good at scoring the ball with either hand. He’s a terrific athlete and, having played in the WAC, brings the necessary experience to be able to provide great minutes for us right away. We couldn’t be happier that Sam chose Chico State to continue his career and degree.”

Hicks redshirted at Boise State during the 2009-10 season and received the team’s co-Most Improved Player award. He played in seven games for the Broncos last season and knocked down all four of his shot attempts.

Hicks earned two varsity letters at Liberty Christian and signed with Boise State after averaging 9.7 points, 12 rebounds and two blocked shots per game as a junior.

Hicks is the second transfer to join the Wildcats for the 2011-12 season and one of five newcomers. James Staniland of Azusa Pacific will enter the program as a junior, while preps Connor McGrath, Chris Magalotti and Drew Kitchens will be incoming freshmen.

The Wildcats finished 14-13 last season and are coming off their second straight trip to the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Championship Tournament.

and

The Redding Searchlight

Sam Hicks leaving Boise State

Former Liberty Christian High star Sam Hicks, who redshirted his first year but played this season, is departing from Boise State. He'll hopefully end up closer to home.

Sam Hicks receives an award

Boise State has handed out individual player awards, with one of particular note for northern California hoops fans:

Bronco Basketball Hands Out Postseason Team Awards
Boise State Sports Information
4/19/2010
       
Boise, Idaho - Several Broncos were awarded for their hard work both on and off the court as the men's basketball team presented individual accolades for the 2009-10 season, April 18...

...Freshman Sam Hicks and junior transfer Daequon Montreal split the honor for the Most Improved Player...Not to be overshadowed was Hicks, who improved dramatically during his freshman year as he redshirted...

Go here for the remainder.

The former Liberty Christian (Redding) star, Hicks is listed at 6-foot-9 and 259 pounds on the official roster -- definitely larger weight-wise -- and will have a world of opportunity with a pair of senior bigs departing.