Five-star Nichols nearing decision

MORE: 2013 Rivals150 | 2013 team rankings

For the nation's No. 19 player in the class of 2013, the visits are all over.

Now, all that's left for Austin Nichols is to make a decision.

Over the past few months, the 6-foot-8 forward from Briarcrest Christian on the outskirts of Memphis has been busy touring Auburn, Duke, Memphis, Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Virginia with his family.

After a weekend trip to Auburn, the visit process is over, unfortunately for some.

"We're through with all of the visits," said Mark Nichols, Austin's father. "It's bittersweet. We had a ton of fun and the schools did a great job and everything. But, we're glad it's over with. It's got to be pretty (stressful) for them just like it is for us."

Armed with as much information as they can get, Nichols and his family will now cut off contact with the schools recruiting the five-star prospect.

"We'll send an email out tonight and then there will be no more communication with the family or Austin in any shape for or fashion," Mark Nichols said.

"This is family time for us to get together and make the best decision a family can make. I think we've gotten the best from all of them and it's time for it to end."

Throughout the process there's been no shortage of rumors about which way the athletic and tough four man is leaning.

At the same time, Nichols has been able to see himself at many different destinations only to take another visit and change his mind. So, headed into the decision process nothing is being leaked about who may be in the lead and picking the best school for Austin is the absolute priority.

"He can't go to six schools so we've got to do what's best for him," the elder Nichols said. "That should be the only thing that matters to these schools, what's best for Austin."

Though there is no strict timetable for a decision, the plan is to have a choice made in time to sign in the early period. The family hopes to have a committal date set within the next week.

Nichols has seen many different approaches, heard many different things and all the while has stayed on course about what is important for him. Now, it's a matter of finding that fit.

"I think we've been pretty stable," Mark Nichols said. "The degree and education matters a ton. The system they play and the coaching staff and all of that plays a big part. We're trying to stay on track with that and some schools are probably better as far as social fit maybe than others. But we're trying to keep everything focused on what makes it the best decision for Austin."

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