Recruiting Report: Tyrese Nickelson (2019)
T.J. Rushing
Without a doubt, Waterloo East’s dynamic 6-foot-1 point guard Tyrese Nickelson is one of the state’s most under the radar prospects.
He’s currently Iowa’s 21st-ranked 2019, and has a ton of potential to jump considerably in the next installment. Especially, if he keeps scoring it at the rate he’s scoring now, 27.5 points per game.
“Actually, not yet, not a thing for recruitment. I don’t know what’s going on, I’m just being patient,” said the junior guard.
“After this year, I think my recruiting will go up, this year will be my year, and next season too. I just want to be patient.”
Nickelson had to overcome a traumatic experience this past spring, when he was stabbed in Waterloo, and had to be flown to an Iowa City hospital with serious injuries.
It cut his 16U offseason with the Iowa Barnstormers short, but he worked hard to get back for his junior season.
“Since I got hurt, I did work a lot in the weight room and things like that. But I was surprised by how quickly I recovered and how strong I am,” said Nickelson. “I thought I’d still be kind of weak. I got in the weight room, got stronger, and it all paid off.”
Now, he’s back to 100 percent and showcasing his improved jump-shot -- he’s shooting 53 percent from the floor and 50 percent from deep through two games -- and his strength has been an added bonus from his rehab training.
“I’ve been getting in the gym working on my shot, and it’s gotten much better and more consistent. I’ve been working on my strength, too, and I think I got stronger, I can get to the rim with ease now,” said Nickelson.
Now, with his junior in full swing, and his traumatic experience behind him, the sky's the limit for the Trojans superstar.
“This year, I think my range improved a lot, I’m shooting from far behind the 3-point line. And my pull-up jumper has been a lot better,” said Nickelson.
“Last year, I was looking to be a leader, and same this year. I try and be a leader in practice, I’m cheering guys on when we’re running and things like that.”
