Ron Everhart was in at Scotland Campus on Tuesday night to check in on the unsigned backcourt tandem of Dequarius Nicholas and Clarence Nadolny. It was the second time in as many months the West Virginia assistant coach has visited campus, expressing intrigue in both Class of 2019 products as rugged two-way combination guards.
The style of both Nicholas and Nadolny align with the toughness and defensive minded approach traditionally prioritized by Bobby Huggins. Huggins, the legendary Mountaineers head coach, is a longtime friend of Scotland Campus head coach Chris Chaney.
Both Nicholas and Nadolny are coming off two of their more impressive performances of the 2018-19 campaign. Nicholas recently scored 11 points and grabbed seven boards during SCS’ thorough 91-53 dismantling of Navy’s JV on Monday.
The 6-foot-1 guard scored 20 points during Scotland’s 92-86 win over Fort Union Military Academy, including a key transition 3-pointer and a pull-up jumper that gave the Knights with an 82-75 lead with 3:18 remaining.
The Georgia native has established himself as one of the top rebounding guards in the Great Atlantic prep conference. Nicholas’ motor and his willingness to chase down rebounds and corral 50-50 balls are the more appealing traits of his game.
If Huggins does indeed plunk down an offer for the unsung Nicholas, it would surface as a classic underdog story. It would additionally serve as a fitting reminder of just how inexact a science NCAA Division-I recruiting has the tendency to be.
All season, Nicholas has floated under the radar on the recruiting market despite a collection of noteworthy performances. Even following a 23-point performance and the go-ahead bucket of a 74-64 win over national power Macduffie (MA) during the National Prep Showcase back in November, the 6-foot-1 Class of 2019 guard has been a sleeper.
He’s used this as motivation, continuing to put up significant numbers on big stages without the buzz, lofty expectations, and the stockpile of offers he may ultimately be deserving of. Nevertheless, he’s proven in multiple performances that he’s capable of competing with anyone in the country.
Nadolny has transformed his game, rapidly shedding the label of “athlete” and becoming more intricately involved in all phases of the offense. He’s notably opened up his shot, one which he’s extended beyond the confines of the arc. The 6-foot-3 guard out of Paris, France scored 26 points to lead Scotland (22-0) in the aforementioned win over Fork Union Military Academy (VA), a game in which his knack for the timely play was rather evident.
He’s been able to score via pull-ups, stepbacks, and catch-and-sticks from deep range. Nadolny’s strength and mobility and athleticism all ooze of high major potential, but his shot has become an added layer of his game this post graduate season under Chaney.
Nadolny hit 3-pointers, drew critical fouls, and knocked back clutch free throws which extended the lead during moments of heightened pressure during the Fork Union win. Beyond improving his game to game consistency and surfacing as a veritable shot-maker, Nadolny has been an active presence on the glass and a willing passer, developing a drive-and-kick game and also delivering the right pass on the transition attack. He dealt out a team-best six assists during the Knights’ win over Perkiomen Prep during the 12th annual Dunks For Drew charity event at Chambersburg HS.
An offer from West Virginia would be no surprise for Nadolny, who has registered his presence in the high major market with offers from Dayton, Georgetown, Rutgers, and several others.
