Arcadia High School's 6-foot-5 senior forward Connor Nichols is coming off a terrific senior season where he put up some serious scoring numbers, and also led his high school program to a Division-II state runner-up finish. As a result, Nichols received a lot of college interest, but he did not get the division-I interest that he had desired. After mulling over his options for next year, Nichols made his decision this week.
Nichols has decided to accept a scholarship to play for Colorado Mesa University, where he will play for head coach Andy Shantz. Nichols is the second Arizona prospect from the 2015 class to decide on the program - joining Chaparral HS senior guard Brandon Hoffer.
Colorado Mesa University is an NCAA division-II program and a good program in the West - a great fit for Arizona prospects that can compete at their level.
Nichols also had significant interest from numerous other division-II programs, and also drew interest from the University of Montana as well before reaching a decision.
This season, Nichols had numerous scoring outbursts and averaged 19 points and 5.5 rebounds per/game this season. He led his high school program to their best finish in years, as the school would fall just short in overtime to Gilbert Christian HS for the division-II state championship.
Congratulations to Connor Nichols and his father Lawrence on this accomplishment from our staff here at Arizona Preps.
Arizona Hoop Review Scouting Report: Nichols possesses a nice, fluid approach to the game on the offensive end, as he has a variety of offensive skillsets that set him apart from many high school prospects in the state. Nichols' ability to make plays on the offensive end with or without the basketball in his hands are attractive attributes that he has. With the ball in his hands, he has a nice approach to the game that allows him to make plays off the dribble or from the wing position. Nichols has a long, rangy frame which allows him to play inside and out, although he is definitely a wing prospect that enjoys the wing position on the floor. He also has very good post skills when needed, allowing him to score over smaller defenders in the post area or from the short corner. Nichols has a solid handle of the basketball and a strong jab step, which allows him to create space for himself. The range on his shot is nice and he has a textbook shooting form on his stroke. He still needs to get much stronger physically and add some more explosiveness to become a better finisher at the rim against better competition. Over time he should mature nicely and grow into his frame.
