Nikita finished with 18 points and 4 threes in BFL Prep’s tough loss to Prolific Prep on Sunday, 58-50. Tyukalo is a tremendously confident shooter who is not afraid to let it go from several feet behind the three point line and can create his own shot as well as being a major catch and shoot threat.

Nikita has tremendous upside and has been improving at an extremely high rate. He is benefitting practicing against elite talent that the BFL roster holds. Tyukalo has a versatile offensive game, finding his spots and getting to the rim in many efficient ways. He has been improving his overall game on both sides, being more well rounded on the defensive side. He’s been gathering some Division 1 looks as his senior season gets underway.

Nikita used to attend Eastside Catholic but has not shifted over to play for BFL Prep in order to help evolve his game to play at the highest level of colligate basketball. He has great size and length on the court, helping stretch the floor even more. He is a lights out shooter, being able to shoot off the dribble or off a pass from a teammate. He can also consistently hit the deep shot from 4-5 feet beyond the line with his lighting quick release. He already plays with and against players who are Division 1 talent, so the sky is the limit for where Tyukalo will play after his senior year.

Tyukalo is a 2024 combo guard at BFL Prep who has shown phenomenal shooting ability in the past but has really emerged as a playmaker with an increased intention to penetrate the defense, get to the rim, and open up space for teammates. His combo of size and skill at the guard spot makes him a unique player in the 2024 class and one of the top guards to watch.

Tyukalo is a crucial addition for Eastside Catholic as he brings size, playmaking, and shooting to the mix. He’s a great compliment to Cofie’s inside game, as he can stretch the floor and has great vision over defenders to get the ball inside to the big man. I’m excited to watch how those two can pick apart defenses with the pick-and-roll, and pick-and-pop, and how that dynamic will open up corner threes for some of their shooters. Tyukalo is new to the team but he will have to be a leader on the floor for this team to go as far as they can.

Tyukalo might have some of the deepest range I’ve seen in the state. He is ready to shoot whenever he gets the ball and can create a lot of power in his shot with little motion. Confidence is not an issue with Tyukalo, so defenders better be ready to guard way out all game long.

No. 1 | Tyukalo is more of a combo guard than strictly a point, but last year at Bothell he had the ball in his hands a lot and that was true for this summer as well. His size and ability to stretch the floor with the deep jumper are unique for a primary playmaker. He’s had a strong summer, showing off a more polished and well-rounded version of his game. Look for him to be a big playmaker for Eastside Catholic next season.

Tyukalo brings a different skill set than the other players previously mentioned. Last season, he showed an ability to take over as a scorer and hit threes from way, way back. This summer, while he’s still able to put the ball in the hoop, he’s shown more of an ability to be a playmaker. But what makes him an X-factor, is the fact he can do all of this while standing 6’6 with a long wingspan. Tyukalo has the new age, point guard skillset, shooting threes and dishing dimes, but he does so with uncommon height at the position. He can play off-guard too, depending on matchups but wherever you put him, he’s going to be an X-factor and has proven it over the course of the summer.