SFA Adds Frontcourt Transfer and Texas Native Nicholas to Roster
5/1/2018 4:43:00 PM | Men's Basketball
6'9, 225-pound forward will be eligible to compete for SFA in 2019-20
NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Continuing to look toward the future of Stephen F. Austin men's basketball, head coach Kyle Keller announced Tuesday the addition of Montana transfer and Pearland, Texas, native Karl Nicholas to the 'Jacks' roster.
Nicholas announced his intent to transfer from Montana in mid-April before agreeing to return to his home state by signing on with SFA. NCAA transfer rules state Nicholas must sit out for the 2018-19 academic year, but beginning in 2019-20 the forward will have three seasons of eligibility remaining.
"We are thrilled that Karl and his family have chosen to continue his academic and athletic career here in Nacogdoches," remarked Keller. "Like many forwards, his best days are definitely ahead of him. He oozes potential and ability."
Karl Nicholas | 6-9 | 225 | So. | Pearland, Texas | Glenda Dawson HS/Montana
Ranked as the 17th-best prospect in the state of Texas, Nicholas received looks from in-state programs Lamar and Sam Houston State as well as Louisiana and Wofford before ultimately inking with perennial Big Sky Conference power Montana upon the conclusion of his prep career at Glenda Dawson High School.
The first Montana signee from the state of Texas provided the Grizzlies with valuable depth throughout his sole season in Missoula, taking part in 30 of the team's 34 contests and averaging 9.6 minutes per game. In those 30 games, Nicholas averaged 3.5 points and 2.3 rebounds per game while putting in 60.3-percent (47-of-78) of his field goal tries.
Four times Nicholas put in 10 or more points with his highest single-game scoring output coming in a home game against North Dakota. Against the Fighting Hawks the freshman did not miss a shot, going 8-for-8 from the field en route to a season-high 17 points to go along with five rebounds.
During a home triumph over Montana State, Nicholas finished just three rebounds shy of a double-double as he pulled down a season-best seven to go along with 13 points and two blocks in 20 minutes of action off the bench.
Nicholas helped the Grizzlies capture both the 2018 Big Sky Conference regular season and tournament titles. The latter helped Montana qualify for the NCAA Tournament for the 11th time in program history. In the opening round of the big dance, the 14th-seeded Grizzlies suffered a 61-47 setback to third-seeded and eventual national runner-up Michigan in Wichita, Kan.
What they're saying about Nicholas
Kyle Keller | Head Coach | SFA | "Karl is a proven winner at every level he has played at. That includes his time at Montana, his days at Glenda Dawson High School and the AAU circuit here in Texas which our coaching staff puts extreme high value upon. Karl is still physically maturing into his body as he has grown another inch-and-a-half and gained a solid 20 pounds since high school. I can't wait to see how much progress he will make over the next 15 months with our coaching staff and in the strength and conditioning program here at SFA. He will be a big part of our 2019-20 basketball club."
Eric Love | TNBA Houston AAU Head Coach | "I'm excited for Karl to come back and play in his home state of Texas. I feel as though Karl will really be able to focus and channel his game in order to become the best person and player he can possibly be. At SFA, Karl will be part of a great school, great basketball culture and great basketball tradition."
-SFA-
