Just a year ago, Ricky Council IV was letting his play do his talking on the court for the Arkansas basketball team. Now the undrafted rookie is making his statement on the NBA court, for the Philadelphia 76ers.
“I feel like I’ve made a statement for sure,” he said during the recent All-Star break. “Now it’s just up to everybody else, if they felt the same way.”
The 6-foot-6 athletic guard made his NBA debut on Jan. 2, and has proceeded to become more of a factor in Philadelphia of late, with some increased playing time.
The Sixers have being limited by a rash of injuries this season, so they have turned to Council for an extra boost in the lineup. In the last three games before the All-Star break, the Durham, N.C., product averaged 13.3 points and 6.3 rebounds, on 46.7 percent shooting from the field.
Since being called up from the G-League’s Delaware Blue Coats, Council has taken the court in 13 games for Philadelphia. He has played just under 10 minutes per game, but has averaged 6.8 points and 2.1 rebounds over the last six weeks.
He has scored in double-digits four times, including his career-high 19 points, along with 10 rebounds, at Washington on Feb. 10.
“Ricky is an incredible athlete, who plays really hard, he makes things happen, he uses that to be a defender and a rebounder, first and foremost,” Sixers Head Coach Nick Nurse said. “That’s a pretty good start, then he’ll battle on the offensive glass and get a bucket or two.”
Council, who transferred to the Razorbacks from Wichita State prior to last season, departed Arkansas after his junior year to pursue his professional dreams. After going undrafted in the June NBA Draft, he signed a two-way contract with the Sixers on July 1. He was then waived and re-signed on Oct, 25.
In 16 G-League games, council led Delaware with 24.4 points and 5.6 rebounds a game. Now, it’s looking like Philadelphia maybe have found a diamond in the rough.
“It’s just game by game,” Council said. “They tell me to stay ready. They’re proud of me. My teammates, for one, are super big in keeping positive thoughts in my head and just being able to stay ready so the coaches are just showing trust in me when they put me in the game. That’s all I need to see.”
It will be interesting to see how much faith the Sixers have in the youngster once play restarts after the All-Star break. Philadelphia will return to the court to host New York on Thursday night.
“I’ve said it about him a lot, but he does everything hard, everyday, every walk through, every practice, he’s focused and ready to go.” Nurse said. “It’s good to see him reap some rewards from that.”