An Insider’s Take
Jimmy Nichols Commits to Providence
By Jamie Shaw
6’7” 2018 Forward – Ranked #6 in SCs 2018 Class
(Click Here to See Entire SC 2018 Rankings)
Jimmy Nichols walked into the 2015 South Carolina Top 80 as an unknown. Without a sure spot, he showed up the day of the event and was an injury fill in. Nichols immediately showed great length and the natural quick twitch muscle fibers that turn heads.
Throughout the next two years, Nichols worked on expanding his game. Still a natural lob catcher and rim runner, Nichols developed range that expand beyond the 3-point line off the catch and the ability to put the ball on the floor for one and two dribbles, attacking the rim. Where Nichols really has a chance to thrive is on the defensive end of the floor. He has the requisite length and athleticism to really thrive defensively in the Big East as he continues to add weight.
It took Nichols recruitment a while to get kick-started, however when it did (as expected) the offers came flooding in. At the end of the day, Providence joined South Carolina and Miami in Nichols’ final 3 schools.
Nichols joins 6’6” Shooting Guard AJ Reeves of Brimmer and May School in Massachusetts and 6’8” Forward Kris Monroe of St Davis’s School in North Carolina in Providence’s 2018 Class.
Make sure you come and watch Jimmy Nichols and his Conway High School team at Phenom’s Capital Winter Classic December 28-30 in Columbia, South Carolina.
Let’s Take a Look at Jimmy Nichols’ Phenom Hoops coverage throughout the years.
2015 South Carolina Top 80
#5 6’7” 2017 Jimmy Nichols of Conway High School
Nichols was a late addition to the camp roster, but wasted no time making his presence felt. Nichols is long and limby, but uses his length and quick twitch athleticism to be a constant nuisance on defense and when attacking the rim. Nichols’ camp coach Ricardo Priester stated, “Jimmy is a high flyer and a great rebounder. He is also a leader.” Nichols is a quick twitch energy man. He goes about his business and consistently produces. Mid to high college coaches need to go ahead and start taking note here.
2016 South Carolina Top 80
Jimmy is very long and a good athlete. He uses his length to his advantage at all times. He’s an excellent rebounder and shot blocker. On the offensive end he cleans up well around the rim, and also has a soft touch jumper which he can knock down consistently. He spent his summer playing with Garner Road, and he carries an offer from Longwood. This season he should see a rise in his recruit with his skill set and size. He plays on a young Conway HS squad that should make a push in the 5A division this season.
2017 Game Recap (against West Florence)
6’7” junior Jimmy Nichols is a lefty mismatch forward. He is a quick leaper, able to get above the rim off vertical. Throughout the course of the game, you can find him making an array of put back dunks, stand still 3s, and finishing very craftily around the rim. As he continues to add strength, he has the makings of a shutdown, multi positional defender. Longwood is his only offer, but that should change he is an incredibly productive, high upside player. He finished last night’s game with 11 points, 10 boards, and 3 blocks.
