UNLV guard Brooklyn Hicks (13) takes the ball upcourt during the second half of an NCAA basketball game against Air Force at the Thomas & Mack Center Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024.
Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024 | 2 a.m.
Like most college basketball players, Brooklyn Hicks was the man in high school.
At Timberline, the 6-foot-3 guard averaged more than 25 points per game as a senior and was named the Washington State Player of the Year. In his four years at the prep level, he toyed with the opposition and tallied more than 2,000 career points.
He wasn’t quite able to maintain that pace in his first year at the Division I college level. Through the first half of his debut campaign, he had notched just 26 points. And half of those points came against non-DI opponents Carroll College and Bethesda University.
Still, Hicks didn’t get down on himself. He kept working, and when he finally got his chance at extended playing time Saturday at San Jose State, he answered the bell with seven points in a career-high 18 minutes.
With Hicks providing a major boost off the bench, UNLV rallied for a much-needed 77-65 victory.
Now, with senior forward Jalen Hill out for the year and senior guard Justin Webster out for the foreseeable future due to an ankle injury, it appears Hicks is going to be seeing the court more often.
UNLV coach Kevin Kruger credited Hicks for staying patient and taking advantage of his opportunity.
“It’s a tough situation for a guy like Brooklyn. He comes in as a highly touted freshman, and deservedly so,” Kruger said. “But had some injuries in the fall that kind of put him behind a little bit with an older group, where he just didn’t quite get into that rotation.
“Had he been pouting and whining for a couple months, then he wouldn’t have been ready (Saturday) when his number was called.”
Hicks gave UNLV a jolt against San Jose State. He made all three of his shot attempts: a 3-pointer and a pair of driving baskets. He also dished out an assist and came up with a steal.
In the 18 minutes he was on the court, UNLV outscored San Jose State by 19 points.
Though he arrived at UNLV known for his lofty scoring totals, Hicks said his main objective right now is not to put the ball in the basket, but to raise the team’s intensity.
“Honestly my goal is just to bring energy each game, both ends of the court,” Hick said. “I’m not much about scoring. I just want to do what’s going to help the team the most.”
Senior wing Keylan Boone was impressed by what Hicks brought to the table in the comeback win and wants to see more hustle plays from the youngster.
“That’s exactly what he’s supposed to do every time he gets in the game,” Boone said. “Just be a spark for us. Be our spark. He has everything to do it. He’s an energy player.”
Hicks was especially effective in the second half; in his seven minutes, the Scarlet and Gray outscored San Jose State, 23-8, essentially putting the game away.
UNLV’s roster situation and Hicks’ strong play mean he’s likely to see significant time in Tuesday’s home game against Fresno State.
Kruger thinks Hicks is seasoned enough at this point to be a consistent contributor.
“Brooklyn is one of the best athletes I’ve ever been around, and he plays at a real high energy level,” Kruger said. “He plays in fifth gear the whole time. He’s excited for responsibility and challenges. And yeah, we’re absolutely going to have to lean on him.”
Hicks may not be the man right now, but he does have a role. And he is embracing it.
“I’ve been ready,” Hicks said. “I think the coaches can see I’m definitely ready now. I’ve just been waiting for this moment, and I’m happy it’s here.”
Mike Grimala can be reached at 702-948-7844 or [email protected]. Follow Mike on Twitter at twitter.com/mikegrimala.
