Stephan Hicks Bio
Stephan Keenan Hicks (born April 2, 1992) is an American retired professional basketball player. Hicks played college basketball for California State University, Northridge, where he earned Second-team All-Big West honors in 2015 and was named Big West Freshman of the Year in 2012. Over his professional career, which spanned more than ten years, he primarily played for the Fort Wayne Mad Ants and the Indiana Mad Ants, where his jersey number 17 was retired in 2025.
Early Life and Background
Stephan Hicks was born in Los Angeles, California. He grew up in a sports-oriented family, which included his parents, Charles Hicks and Kim Kitchen, and his siblings. Hicks attended Agoura High School, where he showcased his basketball talent by averaging 17 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game during his junior year. For his senior season, he transferred to National College Prep, where he continued to excel, averaging 18 points and six rebounds per game and earning all-tournament accolades at the Hampton Inn Invitational. Hicks later pursued higher education at California State University, Northridge, where he played college basketball and honed his skills further.
Path to Basketball
Hicks began his basketball journey in high school, where he developed a strong foundation in the sport. After graduating, he played for the California State University, Northridge, from 2010 to 2015. During his college career, he averaged 16.0 points and 5.4 rebounds per game as a senior, earning him All-Big West second team honors and placing him eighth all-time in career points in the conference. His impressive college performance set the stage for his transition into professional basketball.
Stephan Hicks Career
Early Career (2015–2019)
Stephan Hicks began his professional career in 2015 when he was selected by the Oklahoma City Blue in the third round of the NBA Development League Draft. He was traded to the Fort Wayne Mad Ants on the same day. Hicks made his professional debut on November 15, 2015, in a game against Raptors 905, where he recorded two points, two rebounds, and a steal. Over the next few years, he played multiple seasons with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, contributing significantly to the team’s performance and making two playoff appearances in 2017 and 2018.
Breakthrough (2020–2025)
Hicks’s breakthrough came during the 2020–2021 season when he joined the Formosa Taishin Dreamers in Taiwan. He had an outstanding season, averaging 22.5 points and 12.3 rebounds, leading his team to the P. League+ Finals, where they finished as silver medalists. Following this success, Hicks played for BC Samara in the VTB United League, where he contributed to the team’s championship win in the Russian Basketball Super League 1. He returned to the Fort Wayne Mad Ants for a second stint in 2021 and was later waived in January 2022. In 2023, Hicks returned to the Indiana Mad Ants, where he continued to make an impact on the court.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Stephan Hicks achieved several notable milestones, including being named a Russian Super League Champion in 2021 and earning a silver medal in the P. League+ Finals the same year. His jersey number 17 was retired by the Indiana Mad Ants in 2025, marking a significant recognition of his contributions to the team.
Stephan Hicks Award Nominations
Stephan Hicks has received several accolades throughout his career, including nominations for various awards related to his performance in college and professional basketball.
Stephan Hicks Awards Won
Hicks has achieved notable awards during his career, including being named the Big West Freshman of the Year in 2012 and earning Second-team All-Big West honors in 2015.
Stephan Hicks Family
Stephan Hicks is the son of Kim Kitchen and Charles Hicks. He has a sister named Kristiaan and three brothers: Kaelan, Keaton, and Dylan. His family has been supportive of his basketball career, contributing to his development as an athlete.
Personal Life
Hicks majored in business during his college years, balancing his academic responsibilities with his athletic pursuits. His journey through basketball has been marked by dedication and hard work, leading to a successful career in the sport.