Prospect Update: Mach Nyaw (2019)
Top-ranked 1A squad Grand View Christian has been torching opponents this season, and 5-foot-11 guard Mach Nyaw is one of many college prospects on the team.
Nyaw also happens to be one of the more vastly improved players from last year until now. And considering he was already a top 2019 last season, we can now consider him one of his class’s very best players.
He’s always been stellar defensively, but it’s his offense that he’s kicked up a notch this season.
“Last year I was more focused on defense, and this year, I’ve improved a lot more offensively. And I think I’m getting better at passing and rebounding,” said Nyaw.
“I’ve just been working a lot more on my shot and getting more shots up. And my teammates are always find me in good spots. That makes it easier.”
Nyaw is averaging 14.2 points on 57 percent shooting through 20 games this season. He’s taken on the role as a team leader as well.
“Being a captain, I need to keep everyone together and keep their composure right. And, I have to lead, especially on defense and start the game of right on the defensive end.”
Grand View Christian was already the top-ranked team in Iowa, then they added 6’7 combo-forward Issa Samake, a transfer from Tennessee who holds Iowa State and Tulsa offers.
Nyaw has embraced his new teammate with open arms.
“He makes everyone better, and a lot of people have benefited from it. And Arturo (Montes) can move out to a guard now, he plays better out there, and he gets bigger numbers now,” said Nyaw. “And we just have better team chemistry on and off the court with Issa.”
Another change for Grand View Christian has been their regular season schedule. Last season they were obliterating teams, but were up against lesser competition while playing in the Bluegrass Conference. This season, they went independent, and have played a considerably tougher schedule.
“Last year, when we played Bluegrass, none of that really mattered. But this year, we played way harder teams and have had some close games, and those situations will help us,” said Nyaw, who mentioned a recent loss to a good 2A team, Kuemper Catholic, was actually good for his Thunder.
“That loss really helped us a lot, it exposed our weaknesses. And there’s no way we would have known what those were if we don’t lose that game. So, it’s going to help us in the long run.”
Mach Nyaw is ranked by Prep Hoops as a top 100 prospect in his class.
Nyaw hopes his junior season will culminate with another 1A title. And as soon as the season is complete, he’ll head right into an important 17U season. He’ll play with Beyond Ball 17U.
“I want to become quicker and stronger and get ready for next level. There’s going to be a whole lot of competition out there this summer, and I want to show that I’m able to compete with anyone out there,” said Nyaw.
As for recruitment, he’s had some interest from D2 Sioux Falls. That’s it for now.
“I’ve been in contact with Coach (Nate) Kaeding from the University of Sioux Falls, and I took a visit up there last summer, and that’s pretty much it right now,” said Nyaw.
“My goals are to just get better right now, and hopefully the rest will just fall into place.”