THE Albury-Wodonga Bandits have added to an already promising recruiting drive with the signing of US import swingman Donte Nicholas for next year’s SEABL campaign.
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A 197-centimetre, 93-kilogram small forward, Nicholas is expected to bring explosive athleticism and versatility to the Border club.
The Washington, DC native spent two years at NCAA Division II college Metro State University before transferring to NAIA school Fresno Pacific University.
Coach Brad Chalmers was delighted at having secured Nicholas as the Bandits’ first import signing for next season.
“Donte has a fantastic pedigree coming from a winning program like Metro State, which we really liked,” Chalmers said.
“We feel he will provide the team with another weapon in regards to the on-floor execution at both ends.
“From my conversations with him he seems like a fine young man who is up for the challenge and is really hungry for a chance to show his worth.
“He is known as a true professional in his preparation and play and the feedback from some very astute basketball people we spoke to has been that we are getting an extremely versatile, smart, hard-working and talented player that will be a very good player in this league”.
The addition of Nicholas comes on the back of the recent signings of Hobart star Deba George and Waratah league MVP Daniel Sepokas and gives the Border outfit plenty of flexibility at the guard and forward positions.
As a junior at Metro State, Nicholas led the team in both scoring and rebounding, averaging 17.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.9 steals per game, while shooting 45 per cent from the field.
He was named as an NCAA Division II pre-season All-American and earned team MVP and conference tournament MVP honours.
In two seasons as a starter, Nicholas was a key player in Metro State’s 51-11 record that resulted in two conference titles and two trips to the NCAA tournament.
After transferring to Fresno Pacific University for his senior year, Nicholas again posted excellent numbers of 19.7 points, 7.1 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game and was named 2011-12 NAIA Honourable Mention All-American.
Since turning pro, Nicholas has spent time with the Santa Cruz Warriors in the NBA D-League and one season with US semi-pro team the Rockville Victors.
Nicholas is expected to arrive on the Border in February to commence pre-season training with the team.
The Bandits will now turn their focus to finding an import power forward, with incumbent Lamar Mallory still a chance to return for a second season.
