Nina Rickards Set to Transfer

Guard Nina Rickards announced her plans to transfer from the University of Florida on Tuesday. Rickards posted her farewell on Twitter Tuesday morning and she joins fellow senior KK Deans as the second Gator to enter the portal this offseason.

https://twitter.com/NinaRickards_15/status/1643249142032998400?s=20

Background

Rickards was born in Queens, New York, where she played basketball for Christ the King Regional High School. The former 4-star and All-American was the last player to wear the number 15 before it was retired. During her time at Christ the King, Rickards was able to lead them to a state championship in her senior year.

Time as a Gator

As a freshman, Rickards took on a role coming off the bench. She averaged 5.6 points to go along with 3.9 rebounds per game. In her four years at Florida, her best season was arguably her last, averaging 12.1 points per game on 40% shooting. Rickards, along with Deans, was regarded as a leader of the team and was solid on both sides of the ball. She was one of two players on the team to spend all four years as a Gator.

Rickards surpassed the 1,000-point career mark this year, which is one of many highlights of her senior season. Rickards led the Gators to an impressive run in the NIT, advancing to the quarterfinals. Along the way, Rickards scored her 1,000th point in an upset victory against Wofford in the first round. She did not stop there, scoring a career-high 25 points against Wake Forest in the second round. Her time as a Gator ended in the quarterfinal against Bowling Green.

What’s Next

Head coach Kelly Rae Finley will now turn to youth at the guard position. Losing both Deans and Rickards means Florida has some holes to fill. With 5-star guard Laila Reynolds joining the team next year and sophomore guard Alberte Rimdal showing improvements, Florida will look to depend on its younger players in the upcoming season.