Nolan Hickman’s development was significant during his junior year at Gonzaga.

Nolan Hickman, the 6-foot-2 junior guard for the Gonzaga Bulldogs, faced an array of challenges and expectations as he entered his junior season. Hailed as a former top-50 recruit and initially committed to Kentucky, Hickman’s journey was marked by ups and downs. However, in his junior year, Hickman demonstrated remarkable growth and resilience, carving out a career-best performance despite the external pressures.

From the outset, Hickman encountered sky-high expectations, intensified by his recruitment history and Gonzaga’s basketball legacy. Initially overshadowed by Andrew Nembhard, Hickman’s role transitioned over time, culminating in his emergence as a pivotal off-ball player. Through meticulous efforts and strategic adjustments, Hickman found his rhythm, contributing not only through statistics but also as a mentor and leader to younger teammates.

Gonzaga’s assistant coach, Brian Michaelson, acknowledged Hickman’s transformative journey, emphasizing not only his statistical improvements but also his leadership role within the team. Hickman’s season was punctuated by career-best averages, including 14.0 points per game and impressive shooting percentages from the field and beyond the arc. His 78 three-pointers underscored his prowess as a sharpshooter, earning him recognition on the All-WCC second team.

An analysis of Hickman’s performance highlights his enhanced three-point shooting, a skill that evolved significantly over the season. Hickman’s confidence and consistency from long range mirrored Gonzaga’s collective efforts, contributing to the team’s offensive dynamism. Notably, Hickman’s streak of four consecutive games with four or more made three-pointers showcased his newfound shooting prowess and reliability in critical moments.

While Hickman’s offensive capabilities flourished, areas for improvement include his decision-making in pick-and-roll situations. Despite his proficiency in certain sets, Hickman’s ability to read defenses and execute plays remains a focal point for development. Enhancing his playmaking skills, particularly in high-pressure scenarios, could elevate his impact on the court and further diversify Gonzaga’s offensive strategies.

Looking ahead, Hickman’s offseason focus will likely revolve around refining his decision-making and embracing leadership responsibilities. His journey from Kentucky commit to Gonzaga standout exemplifies resilience and determination, qualities that have endeared him to teammates and coaches alike. As Hickman continues to evolve, his contributions are poised to shape Gonzaga’s basketball legacy for seasons to come.

Those qualities, while sometimes overlooked, have and will continue to be essential in Hickman’s continual growth.

“His attention to detail and his work ethic, like I told him, it’s going to pay off,” said Gonzaga assistant coach R-Jay Barsh on Gonzaga Nation. “You may not see it right now but it’s going to pay off. We would always talk about, ‘just keep stacking the days.’ And you’ll look up and the good days will start running into each other.”

Hickman will enter next fall having logged more minutes in a Gonzaga uniform than anyone else on the roster. He understands the level of expectations for himself and the program arguably better than anyone. Expect Hickman to be the voice who gets his teammates locked in for opening night in November.