NBA REVIEW: Nolan Hickman announce his leaving after match due to
Nolan Hickman confronted all the external pressure head-on to deliver a standout performance in his junior year with the Gonzaga Bulldogs.
Standing at 6-foot-2, Hickman entered the scene with great expectations, having been a highly regarded recruit and initially committed to playing for John Calipari at Kentucky. However, his early contributions fell short of some people’s hopes. Initially playing behind Andrew Nembhard in his freshman year, Hickman struggled to find his rhythm as the team’s primary ball handler, a role that didn’t fully align with his strengths. Criticism intensified following his underwhelming performances in the 2023 NCAA Tournament.
Many players in similar situations might have sought a change of scenery. Yet, Hickman took a different approach, actively participating in recruiting efforts, such as bringing in Ryan Nembhard from Creighton to assume the lead guard position, thereby allowing Hickman to play a more liberated, off-ball role and seek scoring opportunities. After adapting to new teammates and roles, Hickman displayed the confidence and composure necessary to progress in his development.
His growth extended beyond statistical achievements. Hickman emerged as a leader for Gonzaga’s younger players, particularly Braden Huff and Dusty Stromer, freshmen who contributed significantly off the bench. Both newcomers acknowledged Hickman’s openness about his past challenges, which facilitated their transition to college basketball and managing high expectations.
Gonzaga assistant coach Brian Michaelson praised Hickman’s substantial growth, not just in terms of statistics but also as a leader and mentor to younger teammates. Hickman’s career-best averages of 14.0 points per game, along with shooting percentages of 47.1% from the field and 41.3% from beyond the arc, highlighted his impact. Leading the team in three-pointers with 78, he earned a well-deserved place on the All-WCC second team.
