Josh Nickelberry transferred to Northwood Temple Academy (NC) for his junior year. The move has gone well so far for the four-star shooting guard in the 2019 class. He’s currently averaging 24 points, six rebounds and five assists per game playing against a tough schedule.
Nickelberry has been on the radar of top programs in the southeast and around the country since late in his freshman year. Right now, he says Butler, Georgia, NC State, North Carolina, Wake Forest and Xavier are the schools he’s having the most contact with, but maintains he’s open to entertaining all schools.
IN HIS OWN WORDS
Nickelberry talked about NC State’s big win over North Carolina as well as his interest in other programs recruiting him.
NC State: “It was great win for them over UNC. It shows any team can be beaten. They have a great coaching staff there. They seem like they know what they are doing. They are building a good program.”
North Carolina: “They are always a great team. They have had a few tough losses, but they are a great team and will make it far in the tournament.”
Wake Forest: “They are just rebuilding. Losing John Collins put them in a rebuilding phase, but they have a great coaching staff and are building something.”
Georgia: “I love playing with Ashton [Hagans]. He’s my point guard, so it definitely helps them. We’re pretty close.”
Xavier: “They have a great team. They play a tough schedule in their conference and are always playing good teams. They have some good wins.”
RIVALS REACTION
Nickelberry reiterated multiple times that he’s still open to any school and likes all the schools recruiting him right now. One school that might be starting to make some headway with the North Carolina native is NC State. Kevin Keatts has done a wonderful job turning around the Wolfpack in his first season in Raleigh, and is known as a strong recruiter, particularly in North Carolina.
Wake Forest is starting to make some noise on the recruiting trail as well under Danny Manning, so this could end up being an in-state battle. Butler, Georgia and Xavier all remain viable options here as well depending on how the rest of high school season and the upcoming travel season play out.
