Career: Hofstra (USA-NCAA Div. 1, 1999-2003), Bayamón (Puerto-Rico-BSN, 2000-02), Arecibo (Puerto-Rico-BSN, 2002-04), Huntsville Flight (USA-NBDL, 2003-04), San Germán (Puerto-Rico-BSN, 2005), Polpak (Poland-PLK, 2005-06).

Rick Apodaca was born in the United States. He committed to Hofstra University in 1999 and contributed early as his freshman year. In his senior year, he averaged 18.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.3 assists. Despite not being drafted by an NBA franchise, he played the pre-season with the Orlando Magic but was sent to the Huntsville Flight in the Development League before the beginning of the season. This season, he moved to Europe to play in the Polish league with Polpak Swiece. Despite being a rookie, he was named the MVP of the season with 19.7 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game. He has also played five seasons in Puerto Rico and was an All Star in 2003.

Apodaca was previously considered a defensive player, but he has improved his offensive skills a lot. At 26, he may be one of the leaders of the national team at the 2006 FIBA World Championship.