Born and raised in Hampton, Virginia, Ricardo has always had a passion for the game of basketball.

Unlike most, Ricardo's love for the game happened a lot later in life. It wasn't until junior high school that Ricardo would play organized basketball. When he stepped on the court for the first time, he immediately discovered his love for the game and developed an instant passion to pursue it. Ricardo couldn't stay away from the court. Once he started playing basketball on a regular basis, there were not enough hours in the day to play the game. 

With plenty of hard work, Ricardo emerged as a dominate force in the state of Virginia while at Kecoughtan High School. Leading the District in scoring and rebounding and being twice named player of the year.

After high school Ricardo decided to develop his skills further in junior college at Central Florida Community College. Here he was able to establish himself as a relentless rebounder and power in the post. While at CFCC he set and broke his own career scoring record and was named conference player of the year. He was ranked the top junior college player as a sophomore. He was also named junior college athlete of the year, WHAT A YEAR!

In 2010-2011 Ricardo decided to join the Missouri Tigers as the starting power forward. He was named to the all Big 12 Rookie Team along with Post Season Newcomer of the year leading the team in double doubles. In his senior season Ricardo emerged as a finisher around the basket leading the nation in field goal percentage (69.3%). He was named the Lute Olson Player of the Week for his outstanding play versus the Texas A&M Aggies (17pts, 6rebs) and Baylor Bears (27pts. 8rebs) in a week that propelled the Tigers into one of the top five teams in the nation. Ricardo finished his senior season leading the Big 12 in offensive rebounding and being named to the All Big 12 Second Team.

Off the court Ricardo enjoys art and listening to music.