Chapman has become a very difficult school to get into academically. It has one of the finest film schools in the country and an excellent School of Business with a first rate Law School as well.

Ben Ricard is a 3.6 gpa student with an outstanding 1830 SAT score.  We have had a number of other Southern California athletes every year, that had Chapman as their first choice, but could not get in academically.

Occidental and Pomona, two other Southern California schools that are top notch academically, with excellent basketball programs, also recruited Ben hard.  So did a number of other schools nationally.  However, Ben was set to attend school in Southern California and after much consideration, consulting with his dad Paul Ricard, they decided on Chapman.

Ben trained at the Branch West Basketball Training program at the Spectrum Club, the last two years and made remarkable progress.  He was also an outstanding member of the Branch West Red AAU travel team. 

Agoura is coached by the well respected veteran Coach Joe Riccio.  Joe's son Joe Riccio Jr., was recruited to NCAA D2 Bemidji State in Minnesota on scholarship, through the efforts of the Branch West Recruiting Assistance Service some years ago.  He has since graduated Law School and recently passed the Bar Exam.  Congratulations and best wishes at Chapman to Ben Ricard and his family.