Nick Graves Makes His Call

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.

Nick Graves Likes His Odds

Nick Graves after another 3-pointer

6-foot-3, 200 pound Nick Graves has been playing basketball for 16 years, in and around Sacramento for most of that time. But he also has experience hooping on the East Coast, Vermont in particular. His parents now live in Florida and ballin' in the Sunshine State would certainly be intriguing. The American River College (ARC) sophomore doesn't yet know where he will be dribbling and shooting next—he's wide open—but any new coach will be acquiring a well-rounded baller who can shoot, board and pass while demonstrating a plus basketball IQ on the court.

Graves' current sophomore season stats include a team-leading 15.8 points per game on 42%, 36% and 71% shooting respectively as well as 6.2 rebounds (also a team best) and 2.0 assists per contest. In late January, he exploded against San Joaquin Delta College for 42 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and a blocked shot. Graves shot a remarkable 17 of 22 from the floor. "It didn't feel like I had 42 (points") he recalled.

Graves displaying excellent shooting form

Like many nowadays, Graves played a number of sports as a youngster (baseball, football and soccer) including basketball and the latter became his focus, especially in high school. "I had a passion for basketball," Graves noted.

He cited a number of individuals—"a lot of people in my life"—as those who aided him in his basketball journey thus far. "Since I was nine, trainer Dante Miller has worked with me. He pushed me to my limits and we had our moments but he also helped me to develop the right mindset." Rose City Baller AAU program director Brandon White also earned kudos for getting his players seen outside of the Sacramento area. Graves also lauded Marcus Bray, his Oak Ridge High basketball coach for their relationship to this day. "He treats me like a son. We talk and text about once a week."

An homage to Graves' committment to Norwich University

Graves is a sophomore bounceback from Norwich University (Vermont), a DIII school where, on scholarship, he played nine minutes a game in 18 contests, with two starts. A highlight was "beating the best team in conference" as well as an intriguing "the best time of my life was in Boston." Do note that there are 64 colleges in and around Boston but it's unclear how many sport basketball programs or at what level. But he decided to return to a familiar setting and chose ARC as the best opportunity to hone his skills and return to a four-year college program. Not many players leave a scholarship situation for a community college but Graves decided he could do equal or better with his next school/basketball combination. "I bet on myself and thought I would play a lot (he is)." As for his geographical preferences in his next school, Graves said, "I don't care."

Winning multiple academic honors during his high school tenure, Graves offered, "I had a 3.5 grade point average last year and I'm at 4.0 now." He is looking to major in business.

Graves sees himself as a leader on his current team as "I'm pretty vocal and my teammates look up to me."

So who is looking for a shooter, rebounder and passer sporting an above average hoops IQ? "I'm a pretty good shooter and can create. I know where to cut to catch a pass for a shot." Here's betting he also will know which school among his offers will be his next best opportunity.