Recruiting Report: Niko Polydorou (2018)

Niko Polydorou has dealt with an injury but Niko is averaging 17.3 points and seven rebounds a game this year. “This season we’ve gotten off to a decent start, having some good wins and a couple tough losses that we have learned from,” Niko stated. “I personally missed four of our five past games due to an ankle sprain, and although it was really hard to watch from the bench, it was nice to see other players step up, gain some confidence, and make big plays. “I’m happy to have recovered well from my injury, and I see a lot of potential in our team for the rest of the season.” Polydorou is known for being a high effort guy that can produce across the stat sheet. In addition to the 17/7 Niko has dished out 3.4 assists per game with a couple steals and a block each night. “I think this year I’ve been more aggressive with driving to the basket than ever before,” Niko said. “My creativity on the floor has allowed me to find so many different ways to get to the basket, which usually leads to a bucket, or a dish-out for a teammate to knock down a shot. “I’ve seen an improvement in my mid-range jump shot, which was something I worked a lot on this past summer. Overall, my confidence and mindset has helped me improve my game.” The Lakers are 3-7 on the season but they’ve faced a difficult early season schedule. The schedule will be more manageable soon and Niko feels they can turn the record around. “This year we have a good number of returning varsity players. Playing summer ball together, I think in terms of chemistry we are able to recognize each others’ strengths and we work well together in games. “Our entire starting five are seniors, although I see a lot of our younger guys who come off the bench improving tremendously and bringing a lot of energy to practice and games. My brother Christo (a sophomore) moved up to varsity this year and it’s a lot of fun playing together. “We played Hardwood League together last fall, but it’s awesome representing Southwest High School together this year. While our team doesn't have the height that some other teams around the state do, we make up for that with hustle plays, and trying to focus on the little things that make a big difference in the end. “This winter I think we can make a run for conference champs, and end with a record above 500. I think then we will be able to get a good seed and make a run in playoffs.” Niko hopes to continue his all around play as he works to accomplish personal goals along with what his team accomplishes. “My goals are: to be named all-conference, be named player of the week at some point, and make a decision on where I want to play college basketball before the end of the season.” Polydorou has taken several visits although wasn’t specific about what schools he’s talked to. “I’m being recruited by several college coaches in Minnesota and Wisconsin, and one on the east coast,” Niko said. “I’ve met many of the teams during my visits and it will be a very tough decision, but I’ll know when it feels like the right fit.”