NORTH LIBERTY, Iowa - Curiosity fills the bleachers at Prime Time League basketball games.

There is curiosity about new University of Iowa basketball players and their games, curiosity about how returning Hawkeyes have improved and curiosity about if former heroes still have enough game to compete with the younger players.

When the 23rd season of PTL summer play tipped off Monday night at the North Liberty Community Center, fans caught their first glimpse of future Hawkeyes Cully Payne, Eric May, Brennan Cougill and Devon Archie.

But fans weren't the only curiosity seekers as the league's six-week run opened.

Some of the players on the court were a bit curious themselves.

That group included Davenport Central grad E.J. Hicks, a member of the Blue Devils' 2008 Iowa Class 4A state runner-up team.

"I'm here to see how I can do against this level of competition, if I belong," Hicks said after holding his own while playing against a team that included Iowa's Anthony Tucker and former Hakweye Darryl Moore.

For Hicks, his first Prime Time League experience is a starting point.

He initially signed with The Citadel during his senior season at Central, but decided in late October that the regimented surroundings of the military-style institution were not for him.

"My decision didn't have anything to do with basketball," Hicks said. "The program there is great and I think I would have fit in. I just couldn't see myself at school there for four years. I needed a change."

That led Hicks to Indian Hills Community College, the Ottumwa, Iowa-based junior college that traditionally ranks among the nation's elite.

The 6-foot-3 Hicks spent last season practicing with the Warriors after enrolling in early November, but will not be eligible to compete until next fall

"I found myself practicing against guys who are going on to Big East and SEC programs. The practices were the toughest I have ever been a part of, and that has made me a better player," Hicks said. "From a defensive standpoint, a leadership standpoint and a skill standpoint, I'm better now than I was a year ago."

Because he was a qualifier out of high school, Hicks will be eligible to return to a Division I program one year from now and he is attracting early recruiting interest from Northern Iowa and Northern Colorado.

Coaches at Indian Hills recommended the Prime Time League to Hicks.

"I really didn't know too much about it, but they felt like it would be a good experience for me," Hicks said. "After one game, I see what they are talking about. The competition here is good and it is going to be good for me to go up against college guys on a regular basis."

Hicks said he expects to use the Prime Time League to further develop his mid-range game and he hopes to work a bit on posting up on occasion, too.

"This is only going to help me get better, help me develop and I found out in one game that this will help me get to where I want to be," Hicks said.