Andre Ricks

Andre Ricks is the son of Maxine Ricks and Daniel “MadDog” Paul. He was born in Detroit, Michigan while his father was a professional boxer for the legendary Kronk Boxing Team in Detroit, Michigan. He grew up in Detroit where his uncle Jimmy “The RingMaster” Paul won the IBF world championship in 1985 alongside his uncle-in-law seven time world champion Thomas “The Hitman” Hearns.[3]

In March 2001 Andre made a guest appearance playing against AND-1 StreetballLive Tour at Calihan Hall where he quickly earned a name for himself as “The Seatbelt”. Andre Ricks starred at Detroit Pershing High School where he led Pershing to a 23-6 record as a senior as one of several NCAA Division I recruits on the team. He averaged 18.3 points, 6.0 assists and 4.0 steals and averaged 16.0 points, 5.0 assists and 3.0 steals per outing as a junior.[4]

Ricks played in Detroit all-star game and was named all-state in 2005. He was named third best point guard in the state by Prep Spotlight, Detroit News and Detroit Free Press.[5] Ricks was ranked top ball handler in the state of Michigan by Prep Spotlight Magazine and ranked one of the top players in the state regardless of class by Rivals.com and Scout.com.[6]

Ricks verbally committed to Western Michigan University as a sophomore in high school, making him the youngest basketball player to commit ever in Western Michigan History after only playing a year and a half of high school basketball.[7][8][9]

Andre Ricks playing for WMU

Ricks played four years at Western Michigan University.[10][11] In 2007 Ricks was ranked fifth in the Mid-American Conference in three-point shooting for all games.[12]

In December 2007 Ricks was named MAC West Player of the Week and CollegeInsider.com Mid-Major Player of the Week after scoring a career-high 29 points against unbeaten San Diego State University which was coached by hall of fame Coach Steve Fisher.[13]

In 2008, Ricks crossover move against Virginia Tech University was selected by ESPN SportsCenter’s Top 10 Plays coming in at number 5. Ricks scored 10 points in 104 seconds on his way to 16 points in a nationally televised game on ESPN2 vs. Marist College and finished in a tie for 12th in scoring 38 points at the Old Spice Classic.[14][15]

Ricks made a name for himself in 2008 in a college battle against Davison College and Golden State Warriors NBA superstar Stephen Curry where he executed a crossover move against Curry that drew national attention.[16]

Despite Ricks' performances he battled a torn ligament in his left wrist during summer workouts which caused him to miss numerous of games during the 2008-2009 season.

Ricks earned his bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Marketing from Western Michigan University.

After college Andre Ricks began working and training with several National Basketball Association athletes.[17] Through his success of training multiple athletes he was able to assist multiple pro off-season workouts. In 2010 Andre Ricks trained with former NBA superstar Stephon Marbury as he was preparing for a career with the Shanxi Zhongyu Brave Dragons in China.[18]

In 2011 Ricks worked Adidas Basketball camp in Rome, Italy. In 2012, Ricks helped with off-season workouts for Minnesota Timberwolves.[19]

In 2013, Ricks was a coach at the Detroit Pistons Youth Basketball Camp. The following year Ricks assisted with off-season workouts with the Memphis Grizzlies.[20]

Andre Ricks is the founder of Impact One Management Company which is marketing company for professional athletes and entertainers. He is also the CEO of Rawimpact Lifestyle Brand which consist of flagship sport memorabilia retail stores and Basketball Training facility in Las Vegas, Nevada.[21]

Ricks has been active at fundraisers and charity events. The City of Kalamazoo Council Members recognized Ricks for his youth mentor program in 2007.[22]

In March 2011, Ricks was named Newcomer Business of The Year by the Kalamazoo, Gazette and Western Herald for his sports memorabilia flagship store Downtown, Kalamazoo, MI.[23]

In April 2012, Ricks and his brand Rawimpact was recognized by Western Michigan University and the National Pan-Hellenic Council for sponsoring campus-wide festival that had record breaking numbers with student attendance.[22]

In June 2013, Ricks brand Rawimpact was recognized by the City of Detroit for being a marquee sponsor at Detroit's Summer-Jamz 16 along with Heineken powered by WGPR Hot 107.5.[21]

Ricks was also a finalist for the 2013 DMAMEA Michigan Man of the Year award.[24]

In 2013, Ricks brand was recognized for sponsoring the winner of the State Farm College Slam Dunk Championship televised on ESPN with Rawimpact merchandise.[25]

In November 2013, Ricks was recognized at the 30th Anniversary Gala at the Detroit Yacht Club for his hard work through his brand Rawimpact in the city.[21]

Ricks training facility was recognized by FOX 5 News for its impact in Las Vegas Community in 2018.[26]

Andre Ricks sits on the Board of Directors as Chairman for United Impact Nonprofit Organization.

Andre Ricks has two siblings, older sister Porscha Ricks, and younger brother Braxten Ricks. His son Sebastian was born in 2007 during his basketball career at Western Michigan University. He married long-term girlfriend Talibah Ricks in 2017

• 2007–08 Western Michigan Broncos men's basketball team
• Western Michigan Broncos men's basketball

• Andre Ricks Official website