Prospect Spotlight: Erich Nova (2019 Oregon City HS)
While right now he’s performing as an undersized post, it would be wrong to look past Erich Nova. The athletic 6-foot-4, 185-pound forward has been one of the key performers for Oregon City this season and without his work on…
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Continue ReadingWhile right now he’s performing as an undersized post, it would be wrong to look past Erich Nova. The athletic 6-foot-4, 185-pound forward has been one of the key performers for Oregon City this season and without his work on the interior the Pioneers wouldn’t be in the position they’re in – the top eight in the OSAA rankings. Nova is hopeful that thing work out for him at the college level, but for now he’s been enjoying the ride.
“My senior season has been wonderful,” Nova said. “Sitting out and watching (last seaosn) kinda sucked, but now that I’m back – it’s good to be out here trying to make a difference. My rebounding and defense – I’m mainly out there to defend the bigger guys. The scoring is not really my best spot, but it works.”
Nova didn’t play as a junior due to injury. So he’s been making up for lost time this season, using his length and athleticism to make a difference down low even when he’s at a size disadvantage. Offensively, he can get to spots and use his physical abilities and crafty post moves to score some buckets when needed.
Nova’s hope is to continue on playing in college and he notes that he wants to improve on his ball-handling and shooting for that level. He’s applied to a number of places from the community college level on up and nearby Clackamas CC was recently in the gym to scout him out but he’s considering all options at this point. “I’m just looking and waiting for someone to come and pick me up,” Nova said. “I’m wide open right now.”
College is on the backburner as the season is in play. Oregon City may have surprised some folks at the start of the season but now that they’re near the top, the goal is to make it to state. “I think we’ve got a pretty good chance,” Nova said. “Beating teams and taking from what we learn, as long as we keep playing hard and learn from our mistakes I think we’ll be able to do it.”
Nova currently ranks as the #86 player in the PrepHoops Oregon Class of 2019 rankings.