Nolan Hickman, second from left on second row, was impressive in the recent Pangos All-American Festival. (Twitter Photo)
Nolan Hickman’s decision to play his senior season at Wasatch Academy in Utah rather than staying in Seattle seems to be paying off for him already.
Rivals/Yahoo basketball writer Krysten Peek watched Hickman recently at the Pangos All-American Festival and says there’s no doubt he has improved since making the move.
“I have seen him five or six times now and he’s improved every single time,” Peek said.
She was impressed with how he handled himself against Chet Holmgren, a 7-foot center who is considered the top player in the 2021 recruiting class, at the recent camp.
“If he knew Chet was in the lane, instead of shooting a floater he would go under (the rim) and scoop with his other arm on the other side of the basket,” Peek said. “He is also really good at reading defenses and using that to his advantage.
“I really think he can score at all three levels. I had seen some inconsistencies in earlier games but he had 22 points the first game at the camp and 20-plus the next day. There was no doubt he was one of the best guards at the camp.”
Hickman had 28 points, four assists and three steals in that second game to make the all-tournament team along with future UK teammate Daimion Collins.
Peek said the 6-2 Hickman is not as fast as former UK guard De’Aaron Fox or doesn’t have the outside shot of Malik Monk, another former UK guard.
“He’s kind of a hybrid. Not a typical Kentucky guard but that could work to his advantage,” Peek said. “You can see similarities between him and (UK freshman guard) Devin Askew when they are driving and attacking the basket. His change of speed is probably one of his best assets. If he sees an opening, he can go at the drop of a hat.
“It’s going to be interesting for Kentucky fans to see him grow because he’s not a typical five-star recruit. It’s too early to tell his exact potential because his 2021 class is blooming late because there was no spring or summer ball. But he has a great work ethic, great attitude. If he can fit in the system as well as I think he can he could be a steal.”
ESNP national recruiting director Paul Biancardi likes the way John Calipari’s recent recruiting class fits together.
“Calipari’s best teams have always had a defensive presence, and Daimion Collins fills the void in a big time fashion,” Biancardi said. “Bryce Hopkins and Nolan Hickman are strong pieces and with the possibility of Skyy Clark reclassifying up to 2021, you can see how the Wildcats are building their future roster.
“Hopkins can shoot and score, while Hickman can orchestrate the offense with cleverness. Kentucky is seeking more star power as they are involved with ESPN top prospects Jaden Hardy and Hunter Sallis.”
Sallis, another point guard, recently cut his college list to eight and Kentucky remains on his list. Hardy at one-time seemed like a UK lean but now the Las Vegas wing seems to have other interests.
“I will never ever count out Kentucky in any recruiting, but do I think they have a lot of ground to make up. Right now I would say he is probably headed to a Pac-12 school like UCLA or Arizona or the G-League,” Peek said.
