a long, productive forward with old-school rim protection
In the 2015-16 season, Bryce Nickels gave Youngstown State real frontcourt value, averaging 13.1 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.5 blocks per game in high school before arriving as a 6-9 forward with ESPN recognition as a top-64 power forward prospect.[2][9] His appeal is clear: size, shot-blocking instincts, and rebounding pop, plus enough touch to score inside without needing plays run exclusively for him.[2] If you want a low-drama, high-motor big who can change shots and clean the glass, Nickels fits the bill; the upside is rim protection, while the concern is that his college production was more modest than his high school résumé.[2][10]
