Up from No. 136Motor and athleticism collide with Avante Nichols Avante Nichols 6'3" | SF McDonough | 2023 State GA . The jumping jack plays extremely hard, getting on the glass and asked to defend other teams’ tallest player. His leaping ability negates any size advantage and his toughness is key. Nichols’ outside shot and overall offensive game is much more polished than a year ago. He’s averaging 12.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1 assist, 2.1 steals and 1.8 blocks. His best basketball is still ahead of him. JUCOs have gotten involved.

Nichols is arguably the most athletic player in the state but he’s come a long way from being just an athlete. Great on-ball defender, moves feet really well. Gets a ton of blocks and rebounds around the paint because of his vertical ability. Makes some acrobatic finishes at the rim when he’s not throwing it down. Nichols recruitment picked up in recent months, adding Bishop State, Shelton State, and Lenoir-Rhyne to his offer list.

Nichols is sky rocketing up recruiting boards with his improvement over the offseason. Once just a slasher with freak athleticism, Avante has molded himself into a well-rounded player with a complete offensive game. His three-point shot has drastically improved each and every season. He is shooting 7-11 (64%) from beyond the arc, hitting a pair of threes vs. Lowndes. Nichols’ free throw percentage has also jumped, going from 60% to 76% through 25 attempts. Avante leads McDonough in scoring at 15.6 points. On Tuesday he had 10 points, 2 assists and 2 steals. Madison College, Lenoir-Rhyne, Shelton State and Bishop State have all offered the blossoming swingman.

Avante Nichols Avante Nichols 6'3" | SF McDonough | 2023 State GA had a great showing on Saturday against Tucker and is looking more and more like a college guard each time I see him play. The obvious part of his game that stands out is his athleticism. Nichols is without a doubt, one of the most gifted athletes in the state and it was on display Saturday with multiple dunks and blocks. His leaping ability also allows him to get a ton of rebounds. In the past year or so, Nichols has come a long way in developing other parts of his game like his defense and shooting. He finished the game with 17 points on a handful of crafty finishes.

Arguably the best athlete in the state, Avante Nichols Avante Nichols 6'3" | SF McDonough | 2023 State GA had an important offseason for his development, showcasing more than just his leaping ability. Nichols has begun to pepper in the mid-range shot along with the occasional three-pointer. He’s known for his bounce and motor, which make him an impactful slasher and rebounder. Nichols averaged 8.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.2 steals and 1 block per game as a junior. While he only took 32 threes last season he did connect at a 41% rate.