The Potawatomi Fire are excited to announce the re-signing of The Basketball League’s 6th Man of the Year, Ricardo “Ricky” Artis II, for the upcoming 2025 season.
Artis, a 6-6 forward from Austin, Texas, is one of TBL’s most versatile players. Artis is capable of playing multiple positions, giving the Fire a player that provides flexibility, scoring, and stout defense. Throughout his TBL career, Artis has started and come off the bench. His work off the bench last season earned him the 6thMan of the Year award.
“We are excited that Ricky is back,” said Fire General Manager David Qualls. “Ricky is a truly unique talent that can fill several different roles. He’s also a leader on this team and one of the best entertainers TBL has to offer. We are excited that he is joining us again this year and we know our fans are happy to have to his showmanship back as well.”
“I am very happy Ricky decided to come back this season,” said Fire head coach, and two-time TBL Coach of the Year, Mark Dannhoff. “Ric had a significant impact on our team and organization. Winning the 6th Man award was a proud moment for him and a testament to his leadership and commitment. Fire Nation loves him and it’s a pleasure to coach him every day.”
Last year, on his way to winning the TBL 6th Man of the Year award, Artis averaged 18.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. He also shot 62.4% from the field, which was second best on the team. Artis saved one his best games for last scoring 34 points and grabbing seven rebounds in the championship clinching game against the St. Louis Griffins. Artis also recorded nine double-doubles over the course of the 2024 season.
This will be Artis’ sixth season in TBL. He previously played for the Dallas Skyline (2020 and 2021), the Enid Outlaws (2022), before starting his run with the Fire (2023-present). Beyond TBL, Artis has played internationally in Canada, Germany, and Iraq.
The Fire will begin their 2025 TBL season in late February or early March. Individual game tickets and season tickets will be on sale soon.
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ABOUT THE POTAWATOMI FIRE
The Potawatomi Fire are the first professional basketball team owned by a Native American tribe (Citizen Potawatomi Nation) in Oklahoma. The Fire compete in the Central Conference of The Basketball League (TBL), a men’s professional basketball league, with roughly 40 teams across the U.S. and Canada. The Fire play their home games at FireLake Arena in Shawnee, Oklahoma.
Through their first three years, the Fire have established themselves as the premier franchise in TBL. Along with winning the TBL championship in 2023 and 2024, the Fire organization was named the 2022 winner of the Jim Koch Award as TBL’s Best Ran Business. The dance team of the Fire, the Fire Girls, were named TBL’s 2022 Best Dance Team and Central Conference Best Dance Team in 2023 and 2024.