Zags Wednesday Spotlight on Nolan Hickman, Jr.
My Gonzaga Bulldogs spotlight this week is on freshman Nolan Hickman, Jr. He is my “future NBA All-Star.”
One of the highest-ranked point guards recruits of 2021, Nolan Hickman Jr., is now part of the Gonzaga Bulldogs and one of the reasons they will win it all this March.
Introducing Nolan Hickman, Jr.
Nolan Hickman was born on May 9, 2003, in Seattle, WA, to Champale and Nolan, Sr. Both Hickman’s parents are African, although they’ve lived in the United States for quite some time.
Hickman attended Eastside Catholic School in Sammamish, WA. Nolan helped his team reach the Class 3A state semifinals as a sophomore. Then, Hickman transferred to Wasatch Academy in Mount Pleasant, Utah, for his senior year. It was there that Hickman realized just how good a player he is, as well as the player he could be. At Wasatch that his game got much stronger.
Hickman’s coach, Paul Peterson, at Wasatch Academy had this to say about his star:
“Nolan resembles Wasatch Academy as a program. He’s the kind of kid who is about hard work, and not the glitz and glamour. His parents always taught him to put your head down and work, and I feel like the program is just like that.
Hickman made history for Wasatch Academy. He became the first player from WA to be named one of 14 honorees on the McDonald’s All-American game. To play in this game was a great honor for Nolan. “It’s something I dreamed of as a kid; that’s the best of the best. It means I’m doing something well and that all the hard work is paying off. I can’t be mad at it.
Hickman met two of his future Gonzaga teammates on that team, Chet Holmgren and Hunter Sallis. He received another honor before leaving the Academy, being named Utah’s Gatorade Player of the Year. This is what Coach Peterson said before his player left.
He’s the coolest cat you’ll ever meet. I’ve never witnessed a guy who everybody wants to be their friend like Nolan. He’s the ultimate teammate, very coachable and he’s just a friend. He’s leaving as my friend; I think we’ll be connected forever.”
No wonder they say my game dawg like 🐶 pic.twitter.com/nASWpoWPOf
— Nolan hickman (@Nolanhickman2) May 15, 2021
At Gonzaga…
Hickman initially committed to Kentucky but was too homesick. So he de-committed, accepting a scholarship to Gonzaga on May 15, 2021, where he could be much closer to home in Seattle. So, the Bulldogs got another five-star recruit and another player to help win them a national title.
Nolan currently comes off the bench for Mark Few’s Bulldogs, entering games in between five and six minutes into the first half. He is the player who generally comes in when it’s time for Andrew Nembhard to take a break. Nolan’s learning a lot from his coach and his teammates. He has a high basketball I.Q. for an 18-year-old. However, his game can only get to the highest form at Gonzaga.
What he could be…
Not just a basketball player, 18-year-old Nolan is also a philanthropist. With his parents, Hickman started a non-profit organization called “The Give Back Foundation.” Has Foundation helps youth access to basketball camp and what they will need to make it there.
Currently, Hickman averages 6.9 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game with a 47.5 field goal percentage. Maybe you can’t see it now, while he’s sitting on Few’s bench, but keep watching. You will, like me, see the NBA All-Star he will be.
Stay tuned for my coverage on Monday for Week 14. Zags Nation, be safe and healthy out there.