We all know or believe his body won't hold him back as far as competition goes. However, the skills aspect is a little unknown. In his last mixtape, which is pretty old at this point, he seemed like he had decent stroke, but his handles weren't quite there. I hope that like Ray Rice in his sit out year, he also makes a leap in his skill set.
Illinois Basketball 2016-2017
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We all know or believe his body won't hold him back as far as competition goes. However, the skills aspect is a little unknown. In his last mixtape, which is pretty old at this point, he seemed like he had decent stroke, but his handles weren't quite there. I hope that like Ray Rice in his sit out year, he also makes a leap in his skill set.
Besides the AAU stats Newman mentioned, he took his high school team to a state title and averaged 25.5 ppg in that years state tournament. Apparently the kid wins and has some intangibles. Per an online article"
"Nichols, a 6-foot-6 wing, had a dominant career with St. Edward. He played varsity as a freshman and led his team to a state title during his junior year. In his final season, he averaged 18.6 points and 4.7 rebounds per game and made his second cleveland.com All-Star team in a row.
During his high school career, he developed a knack for playing well in big games. He was named the top player of the Division I state tournament in 2013-14, and he scored at least 20 points in his final four playoff games this past season."
Not to mention, there was a few regional tournaments where he was putting up 27ppg. I don't understand his ranking. I'm hoping he pleasantly surprises us.
IllinoisFan733
- Chicago
O.G. Anunoby was #280 and Nichols has a redshirt year on him. Nichols will be the best defender on the team. Of course, that's not saying much.
That AAU team was one of the best in the country.
These were Nichols other offers before he picked Tulane:
Maryland, Butler, Northwestern, Clemson, Xavier (Ohio), Penn State and Nebraska
These are some of the teams that wanted him after Tulane granted his release:
http://247sports.com/Recruitment/Kipper-Nichols-42934/RecruitInterests
I take more stock in what caliber of teams want you than their official "ranking." Illinois was lucky to land a talented player, and hopefully he will outplay that ranking and we will get 3.5 great years from Kipper.
icengineer
- Southern Illinois
If it weren't for Nichols and Cleveland, you'd think this was a recent write up on Goodwin.
I thought the same thing. Sounds like a winner who produces for his team when it matters. I'm all aboard the Kipper train
Kipper was first team in the big division as a junior and won the state title, was the MOP of tournament. As a senior was runner-up in state and didn't seem to have the year he did as a junior, not sure why. Was selected 2nd team as a senior.
Think he will be a positive influence on the team, went to a top tier all boys no-nonsensce catholic school. Please I don't want to start a public vs private/catholic debate. His school held their students to a much higher standard than what would be allowed in a public school.
Think he will be a positive influence on the team, went to a top tier all boys no-nonsensce catholic school. Please I don't want to start a public vs private/catholic debate. His school held their students to a much higher standard than what would be allowed in a public school.
As do I, but if I had a nickel for every recruit that was talked up well beyond what independent sources say, I'd have a helluva lot of nickels. His athleticism looks good, and he'll get stronger. Also, he'll get some time to develop. All good things to have here.
89illinigrad
- Chicago
Nichols is going to surprise an awful lot of people, however DJW will not be surprised.
Kipper's reputation doesn't precede him, it just tries to keep up.
Mosquitos refuse to bite Kipper, out of respect.
Kipper once ran a marathon, because it was on his way.
Once a rattlesnake bit Kipper. After 5 days of excruciating pain, the rattlesnake finally died.
Joel Goodson
- ties will be resolved
He's already stronger than ~80-90% of the players he'll be going up against. At 19. Kid's a monster.
Believe it or not, he's still 18 according to a tweet he sent out a couple of days ago.
He doesn't often drink beer, but if he did it would be Dos Equis.
blackdog
- Champaign
He best not since we don't need another arrest for underage drinking.
7/7/96=will be 20.
That makes much more sense but I'm not sure why he would tweet out that he's 18.
Epsilon
M tipping over
- Pdx
In particular, I am liking the versatility of that lineup.
IlliniDent
- Chicago, IL
Forgot DJW
DJW will be at the 3.
I see a lot of posters saying Black will start at the 4, but I have my money on Finke. I'm expecting big things out of him this year. Or maybe he puts on more weight this offseason and grows into the C of the future.:noidea: Lots of possibilities for Groce this upcoming season.
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