Providence Basketball: Analyzing the 2018 recruiting class for the Friars

DAYTON, OH - MARCH 15: Head coach Ed Cooley of the Providence Friars reacts in the first half against the USC Trojans during the First Four game in the 2017 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at UD Arena on March 15, 2017 in Dayton, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

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CHARLOTTE, NC – MARCH 16: The Providence Friar walks the floor during a timeout against the Texas A&M Aggies during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Spectrum Center on March 16, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Jimmy Nichols – Conway, SC

Power Forward | 6’8” | 220 lbs | No. 186 overall

Nichols may be the biggest sleeper of this class because different recruiting services have him ranked in drastically different spots. He comes in at 186th in the 247 composite, but do not immediately rule him out in terms of making an immediate contribution.

Nichols is a long and lanky lefty who can play inside and out. This is a common trait among Providence forwards as Rodney Bullock, Tyler Harris, and LaDontae Henton all fit this mold. Nichols is also a good athlete who can finish above the rim off dump-offs and offensive rebounds. While he is not solely a stretch four, he can step out and hit long-range shots, but he will likely thrive playing 15 feet and in with the Flex offense.

His path to playing time looked more promising when Emmitt Holt was projected to graduate as Holt will see a majority of the PF minutes, if healthy. Despite all of the positive reports about his abilities and his early performance, it is very difficult to find minutes for Nichols when projecting the rotation and minutes allocation. Alpha Diallo will also see time at the PF spot and Isaiah Jackson could even see time their as well. Nichols is also competing with the previously mentioned Kris Monroe at the backup PF position.

I currently project Nichols to be out of the rotation, but it is only because of a roster crunch and is not indicative of his talent. I feel like either Monroe or Nichols breaks through and plays a consistent role even though it is unclear where these minutes will come from. For now, he looks to be on the outside looking in of the top nine, but his future is bright with the Friars.

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