OrangeXtreme
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Demetris Nichols on new role as Syracuse grad assistant
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Todoubled23
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Humility 101 this is good stuff here.
BillSU
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| #34 Demetris Nichols |
| 6'8" | 212 lbs | Forward |
| HS: St. Andrews | Barrington, RI |
| Born: 9/4/1984 | Boston, MA |
| Season | Cl | Pos | G | GS | Min | FG | FGA | % | FT | FTA | % | 3Pt | 3PA | % | Asst | Reb | DReb | OReb | Fls | DQ | TO | ST | BS | Pts | PPG | APG | RPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003-04 | Fr | 26 | 15 | 441 | 42 | 121 | 34.7% | 8 | 18 | 44.4% | 17 | 72 | 23.6% | 15 | 58 | 39 | 19 | 47 | 2 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 109 | 4.2 | 0.6 | 2.2 | |
| 2004-05 | So | 27 | 8 | 349 | 39 | 103 | 37.9% | 13 | 18 | 72.2% | 15 | 60 | 25.0% | 13 | 57 | 45 | 12 | 32 | 0 | 25 | 11 | 8 | 106 | 3.9 | 0.5 | 2.1 | |
| 2005-06 | Jr | 35 | 35 | 1164 | 165 | 386 | 42.7% | 63 | 93 | 67.7% | 73 | 201 | 36.3% | 50 | 204 | 143 | 61 | 96 | 2 | 63 | 45 | 33 | 466 | 13.3 | 1.4 | 5.8 | |
| 2006-07 | Sr | 35 | 35 | 1217 | 225 | 503 | 44.7% | 113 | 133 | 85.0% | 100 | 240 | 41.7% | 54 | 190 | 140 | 50 | 73 | 1 | 77 | 49 | 37 | 663 | 18.9 | 1.5 | 5.4 | |
| Career | 123 | 93 | 3171 | 471 | 1113 | 42.3% | 197 | 262 | 75.2% | 205 | 573 | 35.8% | 132 | 509 | 367 | 142 | 248 | 5 | 180 | 120 | 94 | 1344 | 10.9 | 1.1 | 4.1 |
Demetris Nichols was a tall forward with a nice three point shot and a long wingspan that made him ideal for the backline of the Syracuse zone defense. 'DNic' was a quiet player who developed from an inconsistent player with flashes of great play, to one of the top scoring players in the Big East conference. He was a deadly perimeter shooter, with average rebounding and ball handling skills.
Nichols started the last fifteen games of his freshman year, as a result of Billy Edelin missing time due to personal issues. He play was inconsistent, and his perimeter shot, so highly touted in practice, was non existence. He started the first eight games of his sophomore year, and still struggled to consistently make the perimeter shot.
Nichols finally emerged as the player everyone expected his junior season. His confidence was up, and his perimeter shooting was consistent. At times he showed an aggressive ability to drive the ball strongly to the hoop. He had a few 20+ point games, and a 28 point effort against #1 rated UConn in a lost. Down the stretch run of the regular season, Nichols once again slipped into a slump, failing to score in double figures during the Orange losing streak.
Nichols continued to develop as a player and became pleasant surprise to Syracuse fans his senior season. He would lead Syracuse in scoring at 18.9 points per game, and was one of the leading scorers in the Big East conference. Nichols shooting improved dramatically from the previous seasons, as he shot 42% from three point range, and 85% from the free throw line. He became the 'go to' player for the Orange, and was usually the guy taking the shot when the game was on the line.
There were games where he would have a ten minute stretch where he would score several points, keeping the Orange in the game (as in the Drexel game with 31 points) or winning the game. Against St. Johns, in a point in the season where the Orange had to win, the Syracuse offense struggled. Nichols would score a career high 37 points as they would barely win 76-74, needing every basket he made. Overall, he would score 20+ points in 18 games.
Nichols was a candidate for the Big East Player of the Year, and would make the Big East First Team. He was also an Honorable Mention All-American. Nichols was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2007 NBA draft by the Portland Trailblazers with the 53rd pick, and then after the draft he was traded to the New York Knicks. He would be cut by the Knicks before the season began, but the Cleveland Cavaliers signed him and put him on their roster for 2007. He would be with the Cavaliers for a few weeks, and would play only a couple of games before he was cut. The Chicago Bulls would then claim him off waivers. He would play a few games for the Bulls that year.
Nichols finally emerged as the player everyone expected his junior season. His confidence was up, and his perimeter shooting was consistent. At times he showed an aggressive ability to drive the ball strongly to the hoop. He had a few 20+ point games, and a 28 point effort against #1 rated UConn in a lost. Down the stretch run of the regular season, Nichols once again slipped into a slump, failing to score in double figures during the Orange losing streak.
Nichols continued to develop as a player and became pleasant surprise to Syracuse fans his senior season. He would lead Syracuse in scoring at 18.9 points per game, and was one of the leading scorers in the Big East conference. Nichols shooting improved dramatically from the previous seasons, as he shot 42% from three point range, and 85% from the free throw line. He became the 'go to' player for the Orange, and was usually the guy taking the shot when the game was on the line.
There were games where he would have a ten minute stretch where he would score several points, keeping the Orange in the game (as in the Drexel game with 31 points) or winning the game. Against St. Johns, in a point in the season where the Orange had to win, the Syracuse offense struggled. Nichols would score a career high 37 points as they would barely win 76-74, needing every basket he made. Overall, he would score 20+ points in 18 games.
Nichols was a candidate for the Big East Player of the Year, and would make the Big East First Team. He was also an Honorable Mention All-American. Nichols was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2007 NBA draft by the Portland Trailblazers with the 53rd pick, and then after the draft he was traded to the New York Knicks. He would be cut by the Knicks before the season began, but the Cleveland Cavaliers signed him and put him on their roster for 2007. He would be with the Cavaliers for a few weeks, and would play only a couple of games before he was cut. The Chicago Bulls would then claim him off waivers. He would play a few games for the Bulls that year.
NBA Career Statistics
Total | 18 | 58 | 9 | 32 | 28.1% | 1 | 2 | 50.0% | 3 | 15 | 20.0% | 2 | 7 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 22 | 1.2 | 0.1 | 0.4 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008-09 | Chicago/New York | 4 | 14 | 3 | 9 | 33.3% | 1 | 2 | 50.0% | 0 | 2 | 0.0% | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 1.8 | 0.3 | 0.5 | |
| 2007-08 | Cleveland/Chicago | 14 | 44 | 6 | 23 | 26.1% | 0 | 0 | --- | 3 | 13 | 23.1% | 1 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 15 | 1.1 | 0.1 | 0.4 | |
| Season | Team | Pos | G | Min | FG | FGA | % | FT | FTA | % | 3FGA | 3FGM | % | Asst | Reb | Fls | DQ | TO | ST | BS | Pts | PPG | APG | RPG |
Nichols would play mostly in the NBDL his second year. He would play two games for the Bulls, and later in the season two games for the New York Knicks.
Nichols became a graduate assistant basketball coach for Syracuse starting with the 2021-2022 season.
The above is from my friend Ray an SU '90 grad. He has, over the years, created the most comprehensive SU basketball site I know of and thought some here would enjoy reading more about Mr. Nicols. You can find his site at orangehoops .com
Nichols became a graduate assistant basketball coach for Syracuse starting with the 2021-2022 season.
The above is from my friend Ray an SU '90 grad. He has, over the years, created the most comprehensive SU basketball site I know of and thought some here would enjoy reading more about Mr. Nicols. You can find his site at orangehoops .com
50YRsofCuse
Syracuse Fan in Florida and in SC
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Looks a lot like the OrangeHoops info on D Nic
#34 Demetris Nichols
6'8" 212 lbs Forward
HS: St. Andrews Barrington, RI Season Stats
Born: 9/4/1984 Boston, MA
Season Cl Pos G GS Min FG FGA % FT FTA % 3Pt 3PA % Asst Reb DReb OReb Fls DQ TO ST BS Pts PPG APG RPG 2003-04 Fr 2004-05 So 2005-06 Jr 2006-07 Sr Career
Nichols started the last fifteen games of his freshman year, as a result of Billy Edelin missing time due to personal issues. He play was inconsistent, and his perimeter shot, so highly touted in practice, was non existence. He started the first eight games of his sophomore year, and still struggled to consistently make the perimeter shot.
Nichols finally emerged as the player everyone expected his junior season. His confidence was up, and his perimeter shooting was consistent. At times he showed an aggressive ability to drive the ball strongly to the hoop. He had a few 20+ point games, and a 28 point effort against #1 rated UConn in a lost. Down the stretch run of the regular season, Nichols once again slipped into a slump, failing to score in double figures during the Orange losing streak.
Nichols continued to develop as a player and became pleasant surprise to Syracuse fans his senior season. He would lead Syracuse in scoring at 18.9 points per game, and was one of the leading scorers in the Big East conference. Nichols shooting improved dramatically from the previous seasons, as he shot 42% from three point range, and 85% from the free throw line. He became the 'go to' player for the Orange, and was usually the guy taking the shot when the game was on the line.
There were games where he would have a ten minute stretch where he would score several points, keeping the Orange in the game (as in the Drexel game with 31 points) or winning the game. Against St. Johns, in a point in the season where the Orange had to win, the Syracuse offense struggled. Nichols would score a career high 37 points as they would barely win 76-74, needing every basket he made. Overall, he would score 20+ points in 18 games.
Nichols was a candidate for the Big East Player of the Year, and would make the Big East First Team. He was also an Honorable Mention All-American. Nichols was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2007 NBA draft by the Portland Trailblazers with the 53rd pick, and then after the draft he was traded to the New York Knicks. He would be cut by the Knicks before the season began, but the Cleveland Cavaliers signed him and put him on their roster for 2007. He would be with the Cavaliers for a few weeks, and would play only a couple of games before he was cut. The Chicago Bulls would then claim him off waivers. He would play a few games for the Bulls that year.
NBA Career Statistics
20.0% 2008-09 Chicago/New York 2007-08 Cleveland/Chicago Season Team Pos G Min FG FGA % FT FTA % 3FGA 3FGM % Asst Reb Fls DQ TO ST BS Pts PPG APG RPG Nichols would play mostly in the NBDL his second year. He would play two games for the Bulls, and later in the season two games for the New York Knicks.
Nichols became a graduate assistant basketball coach for Syracuse starting with the 2021-2022 season.
The above is from my friend Ray an SU '90 grad. He has, over the years, created the most comprehensive SU basketball site I know of and thought some here would enjoy reading more about Mr. Nicols. You can find his site at orangehoops .com
sutomcat
No recent Cali or Iggy awards; Mr Irrelevant
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Nice.
#34 Demetris Nichols
6'8" 212 lbs Forward
HS: St. Andrews Barrington, RI Season Stats
Born: 9/4/1984 Boston, MA
Season Cl Pos G GS Min FG FGA % FT FTA % 3Pt 3PA % Asst Reb DReb OReb Fls DQ TO ST BS Pts PPG APG RPG 2003-04 Fr 2004-05 So 2005-06 Jr 2006-07 Sr Career
Nichols started the last fifteen games of his freshman year, as a result of Billy Edelin missing time due to personal issues. He play was inconsistent, and his perimeter shot, so highly touted in practice, was non existence. He started the first eight games of his sophomore year, and still struggled to consistently make the perimeter shot.
Nichols finally emerged as the player everyone expected his junior season. His confidence was up, and his perimeter shooting was consistent. At times he showed an aggressive ability to drive the ball strongly to the hoop. He had a few 20+ point games, and a 28 point effort against #1 rated UConn in a lost. Down the stretch run of the regular season, Nichols once again slipped into a slump, failing to score in double figures during the Orange losing streak.
Nichols continued to develop as a player and became pleasant surprise to Syracuse fans his senior season. He would lead Syracuse in scoring at 18.9 points per game, and was one of the leading scorers in the Big East conference. Nichols shooting improved dramatically from the previous seasons, as he shot 42% from three point range, and 85% from the free throw line. He became the 'go to' player for the Orange, and was usually the guy taking the shot when the game was on the line.
There were games where he would have a ten minute stretch where he would score several points, keeping the Orange in the game (as in the Drexel game with 31 points) or winning the game. Against St. Johns, in a point in the season where the Orange had to win, the Syracuse offense struggled. Nichols would score a career high 37 points as they would barely win 76-74, needing every basket he made. Overall, he would score 20+ points in 18 games.
Nichols was a candidate for the Big East Player of the Year, and would make the Big East First Team. He was also an Honorable Mention All-American. Nichols was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2007 NBA draft by the Portland Trailblazers with the 53rd pick, and then after the draft he was traded to the New York Knicks. He would be cut by the Knicks before the season began, but the Cleveland Cavaliers signed him and put him on their roster for 2007. He would be with the Cavaliers for a few weeks, and would play only a couple of games before he was cut. The Chicago Bulls would then claim him off waivers. He would play a few games for the Bulls that year.
NBA Career Statistics
20.0% 2008-09 Chicago/New York 2007-08 Cleveland/Chicago Season Team Pos G Min FG FGA % FT FTA % 3FGA 3FGM % Asst Reb Fls DQ TO ST BS Pts PPG APG RPG Nichols would play mostly in the NBDL his second year. He would play two games for the Bulls, and later in the season two games for the New York Knicks.
Nichols became a graduate assistant basketball coach for Syracuse starting with the 2021-2022 season.
The above is from my friend Ray an SU '90 grad. He has, over the years, created the most comprehensive SU basketball site I know of and thought some here would enjoy reading more about Mr. Nicols. You can find his site at orangehoops .com
I believe Demteris, Michael Carter Williams and now Cole Swider all attended St Andrews.
Pretty good threesome from one HS to Syracuse. JD and Boys and Girls HS have them beat, probably a couple of others too. But St Andrews is pretty high on the list. Not going to count prep schools...they are a different category altogether.
orangefog
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Not very thorough, I don’t even see blood type.
#34 Demetris Nichols
6'8" 212 lbs Forward
HS: St. Andrews Barrington, RI Season Stats
Born: 9/4/1984 Boston, MA
Season Cl Pos G GS Min FG FGA % FT FTA % 3Pt 3PA % Asst Reb DReb OReb Fls DQ TO ST BS Pts PPG APG RPG 2003-04 Fr 2004-05 So 2005-06 Jr 2006-07 Sr Career
Nichols started the last fifteen games of his freshman year, as a result of Billy Edelin missing time due to personal issues. He play was inconsistent, and his perimeter shot, so highly touted in practice, was non existence. He started the first eight games of his sophomore year, and still struggled to consistently make the perimeter shot.
Nichols finally emerged as the player everyone expected his junior season. His confidence was up, and his perimeter shooting was consistent. At times he showed an aggressive ability to drive the ball strongly to the hoop. He had a few 20+ point games, and a 28 point effort against #1 rated UConn in a lost. Down the stretch run of the regular season, Nichols once again slipped into a slump, failing to score in double figures during the Orange losing streak.
Nichols continued to develop as a player and became pleasant surprise to Syracuse fans his senior season. He would lead Syracuse in scoring at 18.9 points per game, and was one of the leading scorers in the Big East conference. Nichols shooting improved dramatically from the previous seasons, as he shot 42% from three point range, and 85% from the free throw line. He became the 'go to' player for the Orange, and was usually the guy taking the shot when the game was on the line.
There were games where he would have a ten minute stretch where he would score several points, keeping the Orange in the game (as in the Drexel game with 31 points) or winning the game. Against St. Johns, in a point in the season where the Orange had to win, the Syracuse offense struggled. Nichols would score a career high 37 points as they would barely win 76-74, needing every basket he made. Overall, he would score 20+ points in 18 games.
Nichols was a candidate for the Big East Player of the Year, and would make the Big East First Team. He was also an Honorable Mention All-American. Nichols was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2007 NBA draft by the Portland Trailblazers with the 53rd pick, and then after the draft he was traded to the New York Knicks. He would be cut by the Knicks before the season began, but the Cleveland Cavaliers signed him and put him on their roster for 2007. He would be with the Cavaliers for a few weeks, and would play only a couple of games before he was cut. The Chicago Bulls would then claim him off waivers. He would play a few games for the Bulls that year.
NBA Career Statistics
Season Team Pos G Min FG FGA % FT FTA % 3FGA 3FGM % Asst Reb Fls DQ TO ST BS Pts PPG APG RPG 2007-08 Cleveland/Chicago 2008-09 Chicago/New York 20.0%
Nichols became a graduate assistant basketball coach for Syracuse starting with the 2021-2022 season.
The above is from my friend Ray an SU '90 grad. He has, over the years, created the most comprehensive SU basketball site I know of and thought some here would enjoy reading more about Mr. Nicols. You can find his site at orangehoops .com
Cheriehoop
Moderator/ 2019-20 Iggy Winner Reg Season Rcd
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Had the opportunity to speak with DNic quite a while 2 years ago before a game. If anyone recalls, he first came to SU the year after our championship, as a very shy young man who had an issue with stuttering heralded as being a long range sharpshooting forward to help spread the floor the last 3 years of the GMac era.
He was broadcasting some games when I spoke to him and was deciding whether to go abroad for another year to play after recuperating from a foot injury or to end his playing career and take the next step in life for his family. I wasn’t aware that he had been living permanently in the Syracuse area for years with his family while playing abroad for part of the year till he told me. If you get the opportunity to speak to him you won’t regret it. He’s a wonderful, engaging, well spoken, loyal SU alum, who was so easy to speak with. Very excited for him, for his family and all of us that he’s joined the SU basketball coaching family. He’s a great SU story.
He was broadcasting some games when I spoke to him and was deciding whether to go abroad for another year to play after recuperating from a foot injury or to end his playing career and take the next step in life for his family. I wasn’t aware that he had been living permanently in the Syracuse area for years with his family while playing abroad for part of the year till he told me. If you get the opportunity to speak to him you won’t regret it. He’s a wonderful, engaging, well spoken, loyal SU alum, who was so easy to speak with. Very excited for him, for his family and all of us that he’s joined the SU basketball coaching family. He’s a great SU story.
pearl31
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love this, thanks
sutomcat
No recent Cali or Iggy awards; Mr Irrelevant
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Well said. I have told the story on the board before, but my first interaction with Detmetris was on the streets of Boston, not far from the Fleet Center (or whatever they call the new Boston Garden).
He had a loud outfit on, including a big gold chain, and he was talking trash from a hallway of a building to everyone who walked by. Didn't really notice him much at first. My friends and I were all deep in discussion on some topic. But he saw our SU gear and got excited. We stopped to talk to this tall, skinny kid and I realized there was a good chance it was Demetris. He was verbaled to us at the time but largely unknown. He was really pleased we knew who he was. Must have been a great weekend for him...
But even then, he was a good guy. Very nice fella.
Cheriehoop
Moderator/ 2019-20 Iggy Winner Reg Season Rcd
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When he mentioned his foot injury, I told him despite my current appearance, that I played basketball for decades and the only foot injury I had in college was while rebounding a free throw, and that back then they’d try to stomp on your foot to prevent you from getting position on a rebound. He laughed and said they still do that now and that’s how I have gotten hurt too. I laughed and told him how our careers were so much alike 
. He was kind enough to laugh at my stupid jokes.
. He was kind enough to laugh at my stupid jokes.
The St. Andrew’s connection is with their HC Mike Hart who absolutely loved Mike Hopkins.
Hart and Hop were why a lot of those St.Andrew’s kids ended up here.
If Hop were at SU when Swider was in HS he comes to SU earlier.
St. Andrew’s prep in RI does do well by Syracuse.
There was another RI kid who wanted to play at SU we didn’t recruit Joe Mazzula who went to WVU and is working his way up the pro coaching ranks.
Hart and Hop were why a lot of those St.Andrew’s kids ended up here.
If Hop were at SU when Swider was in HS he comes to SU earlier.
St. Andrew’s prep in RI does do well by Syracuse.
There was another RI kid who wanted to play at SU we didn’t recruit Joe Mazzula who went to WVU and is working his way up the pro coaching ranks.
pearl31
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Yeah. It's a shame that season's end went down the way it did.
pearl31
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remember that dude - he was really good at WV
Cheriehoop
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CJ Fair was good too, consistent and effective. Kris Joseph was a good player too but never really became the ‘go to’ player as an upperclassman that was anticipated, but he was pretty consistent.
Niastri
Two Time Iggy Award Winner: Edwards for Three!
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As a Senior, Nichols scored 18.9 ppg and 27.4% of the teams points for the season. Pretty much the definition of a "go to" player.
It's too bad we got screwed by the selection committee, or Nichols' legacy here would be a lot stronger.
Cheriehoop
Moderator/ 2019-20 Iggy Winner Reg Season Rcd
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Yup I agree, I was posting that despite his consistency, Kris Joseph, never turned into a go to guy.
Niastri
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richmondcuse03
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Love this. He was / is a great kid and ambassador for the program.When he mentioned his foot injury, I told him despite my current appearance, that I played basketball for decades and the only foot injury I had in college was while rebounding a free throw, and that back then they’d try to stomp on your foot to prevent you from getting position on a rebound. He laughed and said they still do that now and that’s how I have gotten hurt too. I laughed and told him how our careers were so much alike
Capt. Tuttle
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Should have been BE POY
His game was built off of fearless drives to the hoop... I think that hard fall and back injury really impacted his game. Also his last year he fell into the trap of trying to prove he could be a perimeter 3 point shooter.
721Comstock
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As opposed to the non-perimeter kind of 3 point shooter?
Technically, yes. As Bill Rafferty would say there is also the ”old fashioned way” which if Joseph would have gotten more of if he had continued driving to the hoop.
Cusefan0307
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