Bill Paxton in the CT POST on the importance of Nickerson:
Meet Colin Nickerson. In the first 23 games last season, he averaged just 2.7 points with 20 steals, barely seeing the court some nights.
Meet Colin Nickerson. In the final 13 games, he scored in double figures four times and made 26 steals. He averaged 9.7 points in seven postseason games, including a 14-point afternoon against Iona in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference semifinals and a 22-point outing with five steals against Yale in the CIT opener.
Will the real Colin Nickerson please stand up?......
Paxton's article on Nickerson stresses the leadership he is providing this year. Looks like Nickerson, Needham and Wade are going to get a lot of minutes. That means Nickerson will likely be playing the 3G/Wing, his most natural position. He is primed for a big year.
Post by reindeerfan on Oct 18, 2012 19:23:30 GMT -5
My perspective is these stats don't really tell the real story. Colin started to produce when he was played. He started the season with an ankle injury and played limited minutes until Needham went down. After we lost Needham Nickerson played well. If Nickerson gets playing time I expect him to contribute.
Whatever Colin needed to figure out, he did last year in the post-season. I'm sure he worked on his shooting at home this summer. Sidney expects him to have a major role this year, and it seems from the coach's comments that Colin has bought into SJ's philosophy. Great too to read how coachable he his and his influence on younger players.
Pax and the Post have been very good to the Stags of late in terms of thoughtful and comprehensive coverage.
Does anyone else think a starting back court of Needham and Nickerson would be best for the Stags this season? Needham won't have to guard a 2, and Nick plays better with more minutes.
It's possible, but I still think that Colin is best providing "instant energy" off the bench. He could very well, be starting some games based on the match ups and how far along our Frosh are coming. That being said, I would love to see a Needham, Nickerson and Gilbert combo out there on the perimeter. How exciting would that be?
