Adam Zagoria covers basketball at all levels. He is the author of two books and an award-winning journalist whose articles have appeared in ESPN The Magazine, SLAM, Sheridan Hoops, Sports Illustrated, Basketball Times and in newspapers nationwide.
Gonzaga officially signs former Kentucky pledge Nolan Hickman
By ADAM ZAGORIA& RYAN McMULLEN
After decommitting from Kentucky last month, Nolan Hickman has signed with Gonzaga, per a Gonzaga press release.
Hickman on Saturday chose the Bulldogs over Auburn and Kansas.
“His unselfishness and ability to play a team game will help him succeed,” Wasatch Academy coach Paul Peterson said. “He puts his head down and just works non stop without all the bells and whistle. What he does in the dark stays in the dark until the right time [and] then he shines brighter than the rest.”
He is the fifth signee in program history to be named a McDonald’s All-American, and the third of this Zag recruiting class joining Chet Holmgren and Hunter Sallis.
Hickman was named the Utah player of the year by MaxPreps. He averaged 16 points, 3.3 assists and 2.5 rebounds per game as a senior, earning All-American honors and leading Wasatch Academy (Utah) to a top-10 national ranking and a spot in the Geico Nationals. The Seattle native played at Eastside Catholic in Sammamish, Wash., before finishing his prep career at Wasatch.
The point guard figures to share backcourt time with returning point guard Andrew Nembhard.
“Nolan is going to be a great addition to the program,” Gonzaga coach Mark Few said. “We’ve been able to watch him over the years in Seattle. He is a really smart point guard, with great skills and a tremendous feel for the game. The biggest thing of all is he is a winner. That’s something we value here, and that’s why I think he’s going to have a great career here.”
Fantastic two days for uncommitted Nolan Hickman at Iverson Classic so far. Has looked like the most complete guard in the class. Great pace and feel operating out of PNR. Has shot the ball really well. Really defends too. Going to make whatever school he commits to really happy. pic.twitter.com/2pmavmQH4H
Adam Zagoria is a Basketball Insider who covers basketball at all levels. A contributor to The New York Times and SportsNet New York (SNY), he is also the author of two books and is an award-winning journalist and filmmaker. His articles have appeared in ESPN The Magazine, SLAM, Sheridan Hoops, Basketball Times and in newspapers nationwide. He also won an Emmy award for his work on the SNY mini-documentary on Syracuse guard Tyus Battle.
A veteran Ultimate Frisbee player, he has competed in numerous National and World Championships and, perhaps more importantly, his teams won the Westchester Summer League (WSL) championships in 2011 and 2013.
He lives in Manhattan with his wife and children.
