Star Guard Josh Nickelberry is headed to Oak Hill Academy!
Around 1145am on Monday the social media world was given notice that top 2019 Guard Josh Nickelberry would be headed to Oak Hill Academy to complete his final two years of high school. Josh is a player who stock is still on the rise and each time we see him he continues to get better, he has a maturity about him that is way beyond his years and it’s very impressive to see how he approaches things on and off the court. A few months back we got to sit with Josh after he had returned home from USA Basketball Men’s Junior National Team Training camp as well as the beginning of the season for Trinity Christian. Now that the season has ended and Spring/Summer circuits have begun, we got a chance to catch up with Josh and see what has been going on lately including his move to Oak Hill.
Q: Last time we spoke you guys were mid-season and preparing for a title run, although you all came up short what do you feel you learned from the season?
Josh: We had a great season although we came up short. I played with a great group of guys and I feel like I learned how to play with other good players. The group I was with were all talented and we played for each other.
Q: Any special game day rituals or routines that you do to prepare yourself for the game mentally?
Yes. I have to listen to a whole Michael Jackson album and I do the same stretch routine. And during the game I chew EXTRA brand spearmint gum.
You’ve made it official that you’re heading to Oak Hill, did you follow them pretty closely this season and what are you looking to most about playing there?
Josh: I’ve been wanting to go to oak hill since the 8th grade and now that I have to opportunity I feel like it’s great for me. I’m just ready to come a better player and to be mentored by coach smith. He’s a great coach and I feel like he has his best interest in getting me better for the next level.
Colleges will personally be allowed to call/text you pretty soon, is that something you’re looking forward to?
Definitely. Can’t wait to be able to talk to and build relationships with coaches and listen to what they have to say.