When he has his shot dialed in, Nikolov is one of the best spot-up shooters in Southern California. The 6-foot-5 wing will be key to Notre Dame’s hunt for a Mission League title as his ability to stretch the defense takes pressure off of teammates NaVorro Bowman, Jr. NaVorro Bowman, Jr. 6'4" | PG Notre Dame-Sherman Oaks | 2027 State #8 Nation CA-S and Josiah Nance Josiah Nance 6'5" | PG Notre Dame-Sherman Oaks | 2027 State #109 Nation CA-S to generate offense each time down the floor. Nikolov, who made 71 triples at a 39 percent clip last season, keeps the opponent honest and opens up driving lanes for Notre Dame’s guards to say in attack mode.

Ilan Nikolov Ilan Nikolov 6'5" | SG/SF Notre Dame - Sherman Oaks | 2027 State CA-S is on Vegas Elite’s 16U EYBL team. He has already caught a few other scouts attention with his accurate shooting and scoring abilities. Nikolov can fill it up in a hurry when he gets hot, and he gets open for catch and shoot opportunities at a high rate. On the defensive end, he often plays up on guys. Which helps him poke the ball away for steals.

Ilan Nikolov Ilan Nikolov 6'5" | SG/SF Notre Dame - Sherman Oaks | 2027 State CA-S got the party started for Bishop Gorman, draining three 3-pointers in the first quarter and going for 11 points. Nikolov continued to shoot well in the second half, hitting another 3-pointer and a pull-up jumper. I also noticed him keeping his guy in front of him on defense, and he had a couple of deflections.

Ilan Nikolov Ilan Nikolov 6'5" | SG/SF Notre Dame - Sherman Oaks | 2027 State CA-S had a solid offensive output for Bishop Gorman on Saturday. Coronado didn’t make it easy for him to get open. However he worked off ball consistently and his teammates found him for some open looks. Nikolov finished the game with 12 points on four 3-pointers made.

Additional Stats – 3 Assists, 1 Rebound

Ilan Nikolov Ilan Nikolov 6'5" | SG/SF Notre Dame - Sherman Oaks | 2027 State CA-S made some jumpers and shot well from the perimeter on Thursday. He connected on four 3-pointers and finished the game as Bishop Gorman’s second leading scorer, with 16 points. In addition to contributions on offense, Nikolov had 1 steal and 1 block.

Nikolov is Bishop Gorman’s sharpshooter and can hit multiple 3-pointers a game. He has a high IQ and moves off the ball well to get catch and shoot opportunities. When it comes to his defense, he uses his size and length to his advantage. Expect him to be a very big contributor for the Gaels this season.

Ilan Nikolov Ilan Nikolov 6'5" | SG/SF Notre Dame - Sherman Oaks | 2027 State CA-S was featured last month in my “Sharp Shooters To Watch” article. Nikolov has a pure stroke and can hit both mid-range and 3-point shots. Bishop Gorman has a number of guys who can score this year, but I expect Nikolov to be one of their top offensive options.

Ilan displayed an impressive ability to use his size and wingspan to shoot over defenders with ease. He excelled as both a 3-point and mid-range shooter, showing a high level of efficiency whether off the catch or off the dribble. His shooting versatility makes him a consistent offensive threat from multiple spots on the floor.