Prospect Update: Nick Pepin (2020)
After spending his freshman and sophomore seasons excelling at Waterloo West, Nick Pepin continued to evolve as a player this past season with Iowa City West.
Pepin, who’s listed at 5’11, helped guide Iowa City West to the state tournament this season while averaging 7.7 points and 2.7 assists per game.
“Going back to my sophomore year, I was feeling pretty good at my old school, and I came to (Iowa City West) not because of basketball or anything, but I came here because I used to live here and we have family down here,” said Pepin.
“Being my junior year, I knew I’d have to develop the ability to score, as well as to swing the ball and look for my teammates. So, I knew I’d have to be able to do both.”
What Pepin did exceptionally well this season was shoot the ball, he was 54 percent from the floor and a sterling 53 percent from deep.
“Coming into this year, I really focused on shooting from beyond the arc. As soon as the defense knows that you can shoot from out there, the lane and the inside opens up more, and it allows you and your teammates to score better,” said Pepin.
West lost in a tough state quarterfinal game against Dubuque, Senior. And despite losing 6’8 forward Patrick McCaffery to graduation, Pepin is confident in his team’s ability next winter.
“We didn’t reach out goal this year,” he said. “But I know we have a good chance of reaching our goals next year when I’m a senior.”
In the meantime, the efficient combo-guard will spend his spring and summer with Martin Brothers 17U; he’s been with the program since fifth-grade.
“I’m just looking to be more of a vocal leader, a big leader on the court, and to step up for them as well, too,” said Pepin, who is remaining patient with his recruitment.
“I just love this game, and I know this is a big season where players start to worry (about recruitment); but I’m just being patient and I have confidence in myself that I’ll land somewhere where I’ll be good at.”