Recruiting Report: Nicholas Carlson (2018)

The pick-and pop: it requires a player who is willing to set a sturdy screen for the ball handler, then catch and confidently knock down a jumper. The play was designed for a someone like <strong>Nicholas Carlson</strong>, a 6’4” sophomore forward from Dublin Coffman. Carlson’s combination of physicality and shooting has already drawn the attention of Ashland and Ohio Dominican. Prep Hoops expects several more Division II and Division III programs to dial his number in the coming years. “I can step out and shoot the three ball, but I can also take it inside and use my size … It lets recruiters know that I can do both if they have a certain role to be filled, I can fill either or. And if they have someone go down, get hurt, I can jump in as well. So it helps to have that versatility,” Carlson said. As mentioned, Carlson uses a 6’4” frame to his advantage in the post. Even as sophomore he was a force, sometimes getting the and-one against napping defenders. When they were prepared, being bumped didn’t phase him, often converting with either hand. Sure, Carlson is willing to hit the three, but he doesn’t settle for jumpers. He surveys what the defense is giving up, and makes them pay for any error. &nbsp; <a href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3972068/highlights/333964277" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-66795" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2016/05/Screen-Shot-2016-05-30-at-8.36.50-AM-300x149.png" alt="Screen Shot 2016-05-30 at 8.36.50 AM" width="500" height="248" /></a> “The one thing I could definitely improve on is my dribble drive game. You know, taking the ball from the elbow and doing some dribble move to get myself some space,” Carlson said. Sticking with the theme, Carlson says he would use that open space to hit jumpers and finish at the rim. Growing (in both height and weight) and/or building up athleticism may determine which level Carlson will ultimately land at. He’s certainly a college prospect going into his junior year at Dublin Coffman, and has reasonably high expectations for himself. “I do see myself as a Division II player, but I yeah I could definitely also see myself as a smart Division I player, so we’ll see how it works out.” Coaches can catch him in action with 270 Hoops Select for the remainder of the grassroots season. <img class="size-medium wp-image-66794 aligncenter" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2016/05/BAzE9HIu-300x300.jpg" alt="BAzE9HIu" width="300" height="300" />