Photo by: Andrew Pedersen
MSU Newcomer Ladan Ricketts Brings Sharp Shooter Mentality to the Court
11/2/2018 3:36:00 PM | Men's Basketball
“I always played hard and thought wherever I end up, is where I’ll end up.”
Ladan Ricketts established himself as one of the best shooters in the country over the last two seasons at Sheridan College in Wyoming. He shot 97 percent from the free throw line his freshman year, leading the NJCAA, and shot 45 percent from 3-point range as a sophomore.
At the conclusion of last season, Ricketts had an opportunity to make the jump to the Division I level. His dad played basketball at University of Montana, his mom competed at Carroll College and his sister, Macy went to Montana Tech.
Ricketts grew up in Livingston, where he had a successful career at Park High School which was capped by All-State honors twice. Last spring, he returned home committing to be a Bobcat on his April visit.
"Honestly, I didn't ever think about (playing for MSU) too much," said Ricketts. "I always played hard and thought wherever I end up, is where I'll end up. I definitely think being able to play in Montana is a blessing, it's an experience I wouldn't have had playing out of state."
When a student-athlete transfers, there's more that goes on than showing up and shooting the ball. There can be a transition period before succeeding on and off the court. Ricketts showed up in the summer ready to make the transition as seamless as possible.
"Sheridan really prepared me well for the Cats," said Ricketts. "The level of play really is not too different. It was just getting used to the new system, new coaches, all of that. But it's been good."
The Bobcats opened their season Tuesday with an exhibition win against Montana Western. Ricketts finished with 13 points, showing off his sharp shooting. The junior doesn't miss much, but he did start the game by missing his first two shots. He eventually ended the contest 4 of 8 from the field, which included two 3-pointers and a 3-for-3 clip from the charity stripe.
"First game playing for the Bobcats, I kind of had some jitters," said Ricketts. "As I started to get into the flow (of the game), I got used to it. Once I get used to it, it's no problem."
Ricketts claims the key to his prolific shooting is his hard work and a lot of confidence coming from the hours he works on his craft. Even the best shooters can go through slumps. Ricketts shoots through his.
"Anytime I'm starting to miss some shots I get back in the gym and get a ton of shots up," said Ricketts. "At the end of the day, you just have to keep shooting and have confidence."
Ricketts adds another consistent shooter to the Bobcats' offense and versatile presence on defense. He hopes he can help the Bobcats surprise a lot of teams after MSU finished in the middle of the Big Sky conference last season.
"I think we have a great chance to be a really good team in the league this year," said Ricketts. "Any of these other guys -- the seniors -- will tell you we're all just working our butts off and I think we have a chance to surprise some people."
MSU basketball opens their regular season Tuesday in the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse taking on Utah State. The Bobcats finish their week Friday when they travel to Indiana to take on the Hoosiers in Assembly Hall.
At the conclusion of last season, Ricketts had an opportunity to make the jump to the Division I level. His dad played basketball at University of Montana, his mom competed at Carroll College and his sister, Macy went to Montana Tech.
Ricketts grew up in Livingston, where he had a successful career at Park High School which was capped by All-State honors twice. Last spring, he returned home committing to be a Bobcat on his April visit.
"Honestly, I didn't ever think about (playing for MSU) too much," said Ricketts. "I always played hard and thought wherever I end up, is where I'll end up. I definitely think being able to play in Montana is a blessing, it's an experience I wouldn't have had playing out of state."
When a student-athlete transfers, there's more that goes on than showing up and shooting the ball. There can be a transition period before succeeding on and off the court. Ricketts showed up in the summer ready to make the transition as seamless as possible.
"Sheridan really prepared me well for the Cats," said Ricketts. "The level of play really is not too different. It was just getting used to the new system, new coaches, all of that. But it's been good."
The Bobcats opened their season Tuesday with an exhibition win against Montana Western. Ricketts finished with 13 points, showing off his sharp shooting. The junior doesn't miss much, but he did start the game by missing his first two shots. He eventually ended the contest 4 of 8 from the field, which included two 3-pointers and a 3-for-3 clip from the charity stripe.
"First game playing for the Bobcats, I kind of had some jitters," said Ricketts. "As I started to get into the flow (of the game), I got used to it. Once I get used to it, it's no problem."
Ricketts claims the key to his prolific shooting is his hard work and a lot of confidence coming from the hours he works on his craft. Even the best shooters can go through slumps. Ricketts shoots through his.
"Anytime I'm starting to miss some shots I get back in the gym and get a ton of shots up," said Ricketts. "At the end of the day, you just have to keep shooting and have confidence."
Ricketts adds another consistent shooter to the Bobcats' offense and versatile presence on defense. He hopes he can help the Bobcats surprise a lot of teams after MSU finished in the middle of the Big Sky conference last season.
"I think we have a great chance to be a really good team in the league this year," said Ricketts. "Any of these other guys -- the seniors -- will tell you we're all just working our butts off and I think we have a chance to surprise some people."
MSU basketball opens their regular season Tuesday in the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse taking on Utah State. The Bobcats finish their week Friday when they travel to Indiana to take on the Hoosiers in Assembly Hall.
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