CINCINNATI, OH (FOX19) – Former Cincinnati Bearcats forward Eric Hicks will be leaving the hardwood, temporarily.
Hicks has agreed to a one-day contract with the Cincinnati Commandos to play in their home game on April 28 against the Marion Blue Racers. The professional basketball player, who hasn't played football since his sophomore year at Dudley High School in Greensboro, NC, will play receiver for the Commandos. The team will receive a special waiver that allows for a 19th player.
"I am looking forward to this new challenge," said the 6-7, 250-pound Hicks. "This will be a new experience for me. It will be my OchoCinco moment."
It has only been a couple weeks since Hicks has returned stateside from his latest stop in Israel. He has spent the last year in three different countries – Israel, China and Spain. His best stop statistically was in China, where he averaged 18 points and 11 rebounds in leading his team to the championship game.
He anticipates leaving for his next overseas assignment sometime next month, or maybe even sooner.
"With overseas basketball, you have to be ready at any time," said Hicks. "You have to make sure you stay in shape."
While keeping his basketball skills sharp, Hicks will also attending Commandos practices for the next couple of weeks to learn the playbook. Despite this foray into professional football, Hicks isn't planning on leaving basketball anytime soon.
"With my body of work, as long as I can continue to produce, I will keep playing," said Hicks.
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