His loss was big at the time but his return will help give the Drake basketball team more experience next season. After helping Drake get off to a 6-2 start Gary Ricks Jr. fractured a bone in his left foot and was lost for the season. A redshirt year will give him a second chance at his senior season.

Drake coach Ray Giacoletti says Ricks is back and has been fully released to play. Giacoleti says his return will give the Bulldogs a blend of experience and newcomers. He says they have 5 seniors and 5 freshmen and two transfers, and the returners are helping the new guys.

The Bulldogs finished 15-16 in Giacoletti’s first season as head coach.