Hickson Home Sick

Photo: Bnei HaSharon, Jonathan Santiago

The NBA lockout now going into its 142 day many players are searching for other places to display their skills.  Some players have turned to playing basketball in foreign leagues to earn money and keep their skills honed. One such player is former NC State standout JJ Hickson currently of the Sacramento Kings.

Hickson a 6’9” power forward signed who in October 2011 signed with Bnei HaSharon, which plays in Ligat HaAl, the top division of Israeli basketball. The experiment lasted only one game with Hickson scoring 20 points, 5 assists in 32 minutes of play in a 119-80 defeat. After the game he meet with team officials to tell them he was home sick and he was later granted his release.

Hickson was a highly recruited player out of Marietta, GA before committing to NC State. He played one season, 2007-2008, with the Wolfpack earning honorable mention All-ACC and unanimous All-ACC Freshman Team. He was then a first round draft pick by the Cleveland Cavilers.