2013 F Austin Nichols (Memphis Briarcrest)

LAS VEGAS -- There were a number of intriguing matchups on the second day of action in Las Vegas as well as a bevy of outstanding performances. Michigan-bound shooting guard Zak Irvin (Indianapolis/Hamilton Southeastern) got the day started off strong with his deep shooting and athletic prowess at the adidas Super 64, while ESPN 100 PF Austin Nichols (Collierville, Tenn./Briarcrest) wowed the coaches and scouts alike with his high-level footwork and scoring savvy at the Fab 48.

Austin Nichols
2013, PF, 6-8, 215 pounds
Nichols is one of the most skilled big men in the country. He has great feet, pterodactyl-type length and quite the offensive arsenal at his disposal. He tossed in shots over both shoulders and caught a couple of high-level lobs in transition as well. He has great timing around the rim and blocked a number of shots due to his length. North Carolina, Virginia, Florida, Memphis, and Tennessee have been quite visible at his games.

Per ESPN's Las Vegas Day 2 Recap
 
Thx for posting OCI

I want this kid soooo badly to be in UT orange! If we land him and Stokes happens to stay, it would be one of the most talented duo's in the country.
 
I heard from a friend that Nichols is now 6'9/225 and that UT is talking of him playing center because of his length. Maybe why we are hearing stuff about Hale now.
 
I heard from a friend that Nichols is now 6'9/225 and that UT is talking of him playing center because of his length. Maybe why we are hearing stuff about Hale now.

Hmmm.... I wouldn't be too keen on this if I were Nichols. Obviously if he wants to play in the NBA, 6'9" centers don't go very far.
 
Hmmm.... I wouldn't be too keen on this if I were Nichols. Obviously if he wants to play in the NBA, 6'9" centers don't go very far.

I mean, it doesn't really matter for the NBA anyways. He can just move to four. Greg Monroe played center in college and plays the four now.
 
Hmmm.... I wouldn't be too keen on this if I were Nichols. Obviously if he wants to play in the NBA, 6'9" centers don't go very far.

Plenty of college teams do well with essentially a PF playing center. That's what Stokes is probably going to do this season.
 
Plenty of college teams do well with essentially a PF playing center. That's what Stokes is probably going to do this season.

Agree. Virtually all college programs use PF size players at centers. For that matter, most NBA teams do the same thing. Centers are a dying breed.
 
I realize that, but to use him as a 'center'. It's overstated, but I think players typically like to spend their time practicing and playing a position they would on the next level.
 
Not having a true big man wouldn't hurt my feelings at all. I think Nichols has the shot blocking abilities and IQ to play with bigger guys and be effective. As quick as he is for a big man with his footwork, he'd be difficult to guard. Either way, plenty of minutes to go around for both Hale and Nichols. I just find it unlikely we get both.
 
I heard from a friend that Nichols is now 6'9/225 and that UT is talking of him playing center because of his length. Maybe why we are hearing stuff about Hale now.

That would be great. If he gains a little more before freshman year that's plenty big for center, plus he has long arms.

I never took him as having a C game, or for being big enough, but of your friend is right 6'9" 225lbs is PLENTY big enough.
 
Why even say they would use him as a 'center'?

I think we actually usually list 3 guards and 2 forwards in our starting 5, so "technically" there's not a center. The biggest thing is just having someone big enough to Hurd oppositions bigs. If Nichols truly is 6'9" 225 that's plenty big enough, that's pretty close to stokes and yemi's size already.
 
I think we actually usually list 3 guards and 2 forwards in our starting 5, so "technically" there's not a center. The biggest thing is just having someone big enough to Hurd oppositions bigs. If Nichols truly is 6'9" 225 that's plenty big enough, that's pretty close to stokes and yemi's size already.

Ok sorry, I was getting a little nit-picky
 
I need to clarify: My friend did say he's heard Nichols is 6'9/225, but he was thinking that UT could use him at center with his size now. I don't know (nor does he) if UT is talking to him about the center. We weren't on the same page.

Sorry, my mistake.
 
I need to clarify: My friend did say he's heard Nichols is 6'9/225, but he was thinking that UT could use him at center with his size now. I don't know (nor does he) if UT is talking to him about the center. We weren't on the same page.

Sorry, my mistake.

Well if he's legitimately 6'9" 225 he can play the post.

As has been discussed, doesn't have to be a true center, as is we play 2 forwards. With his size, if that's accurate, it'd be fine.
 
There has been talk of his development with his post offense and defense. Can go over both shoulders in the paint with his back to the basket, and defensively can block shots with his length.
 
One of the things that makes the motion offense popular is its ability to adapt to its players instead of the other way around. Just look at how differently Miller played the post from Stokes, Maymon and Hall. If a guy has low post skills the motion offense should allow him to use them, it doesn't matter if he is labeled a 4 or 5.
 
I heard from a friend that Nichols is now 6'9/225 and that UT is talking of him playing center because of his length. Maybe why we are hearing stuff about Hale now.

Your friend might need to see an optometrist...... Nichols is more like 6'8 210.
 

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