Waldorf University (Iowa) Coach Nigel Jenkins and his coaching staff went above and beyond. They really wanted 6-foot-3 American River College (ARC) sophomore talent Nick Graves to sign on and made sure each recruiting box was checked, and more. The latter included something special. Besides staying in close touch with Graves, WU also reached out and dialed up his mother. "They called and talked to my Mom," Graves said, an effort in and of itself that didn't clinch the deal but a courtesy no other suitor either thought of doing or attempted.
What were the other factors that pushed Waldorf to the top?
"Waldorf was the best fit," Graves detailed. "I was told by more than one person to go with what I feel is right and go where I was wanted and that was Waldorf. The coaching staff checked in on me weekly and their playing style worked for me. Their offense is positionless and I'll have the opportunity to be an impact player."
Just as he was with ARC where he averaged team highs of 15.5 points and 6.3 rebounds per game with a high of 42 points versus San Joaquin Delta College. In that game, he also recorded 13 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and a block while shooting 17 of 22 overall plus 7 of 8 from the free throw line.
Waldorf first connected with Graves in early March and he was offered a scholarship a day later. He made his decision and accepted about a week ago.
Being proactive in his personal recruiting process, Graves posted his statistical accomplishments on various national recruiting sites, thus allowing coaches from across the country to become aware of his achievements. Getting your name out there is "what you have to do nowadays," Graves explained.
He reports to Coach Jenkins in Iowa at the end of May for two months of workouts, thus allowing him to gain some degree of familiarity with the various Waldorf offensive and defensive schemes. This should provide Graves a certain degree of knowledge towards performing more like a returnee come the beginning of winter practice. His work in June and July will be taking critical steps towards becoming that impact player.
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