MVP reflects on storybook year

After a fantastic season with the college, Nafis Ricks, sophomore guard, reflected on the road to the National Championship. The Philadelphian said it is an honor to be named MVP of the tournament.

“I give a lot of credit to my teammates, because we had a lot of team chemistry,” Ricks said. Ricks said he has learned to become more of a leader on and off the court. According to the college website, Ricks averaged 17.2 points and 5.8 assists for the season while scoring 21 points in the final against Kirkwood Community College.

Ricks said Coach Jeffers influenced him on the way he plays now, unlike in the past. “In high school I was an offensive scorer,” Ricks said. “Coach Jeffers has taught me about defense and how college basketball is more team-oriented.” This was Ricks’ second year at the college and he hopes to go Division I next year. “I plan on signing with a Division 1 school but don’t know where yet,” Ricks said. “I have a few visits coming up that I will be looking into.”

Ricks said a good player should possess a lot of skills. “Loyalty and leadership are two key skills that a player should have,” Ricks said. “Having these skills will help earn respect and [one will] become a better player.” Mike Jeffers, head coach, said Ricks has developed into a college athlete.

“I think he has a good chance to be first team All American again and National Player of the Year,” Jeffers said. “The awards however will only go to the best guy on the best team.” Ricks said his teammates have helped him out a lot during games and it has contributed to his results.

Jeffers said Ricks has abilities he has never seen on the college’s squad before. “Ricks has the ability to take the ball to the basket,” Jeffers said. “He is the best at dribble penetration [and] finishing around the basket as any player I’ve ever had.” Ricks said basketball isn’t a one-man game and that everything is team-oriented.

“My teammates have helped me, I’ve been able to become a lot more level-headed,” Ricks said. Though his achievements shine brightly after the championship tournament, Ricks recognizes how he is a part of the greater whole. “I’m a piece to the puzzle on the team which helped us get to the national championship.”

Contact Tyler Scott, reporter, at tscott25@jccc.edu.