Prospect Spotlight: Jackson Nicodemus (2018)
Olathe Northwest 2018 guard Jackson Nicodemus is gearing up for his senior season after a strong summer competing for the KC Spurs.
At 6’0, 160-pounds, Nicodemus is a smart floor general and a solid leader. He brings some athleticism to the court, but says his biggest strengths are his passing and shooting ability.
He says the experience of playing for Todd White and the Spurs helped his game grow, especially at the defensive end of the court.
“I developed a good understand of team defense and improved my on ball defense too,” he says.
Expectations are high for Northwest, a program that returns seven seniors who saw significant varsity time a year ago as juniors, including standout Luke Waters.
“We are expected to lead our team to a very good overall record,” Nicodemus said. “I’m most looking forward to playing Lawrence or Lawrence Free State because it’s always a battle every year. Player I’m most looking forward to playing would be Garrett Luinstra just because we have similar games.”
He says the biggest influences on his basketball career to date hasve been his dad, Victor Williams, and Jonathan Anaekwe.
“My dad because he’s the reason I have a drive and passion for basketball,” Nicodemus says. “Victor pushed me to my limits and improved all aspects of my game. Jonathan pushed me passed my breaking points mentally and physically in workouts to drive me to become better.”
A fan of the Warriors’ Klay Thompson, Nicodemus says he appreciates the underdog nature of his NBA career.
“Thompson has always impressed me for his composure during games and his ability to knock down clutch shots,” Nicodemus said. “Also the fact he was an under dog coming into the NBA and worked to become the player he is now. I try to implement Klays mentality of getting the best shot possible with the least amount of dribbles and I’ve worked on my defense because of everyone saying Klay Thompson wasn’t fast enough to be a good NBA defensive player.”
He currently is hearing from a handful of NCAA Division III programs but does not hold any offers.