6 teams that should target top-30 NCAA Basketball prospect Nolan Hickman

Gonzaga Bulldogs

There’s no question who the top dog is in the state of Washington, so if Hickman wanted to play for a national title contender and stay close to home, Gonzaga would be a great option. Coming off a near unbeaten season and currently with the No. 2 recruiting class that has two five-star commits (Chet Holmgren and Hunter Sallis), Hickman would be potentially joining an even more stacked roster than the one he left at Kentucky.

Andrew Nembhard is coming back as the clear starting point guard, while Top-10 prospect Sallis likely will start as well. The Bulldogs also recently landed 15 ppg transfer guard Rasir Bolton from Iowa State, while sophomore guard Dominick Harris should be in line for a rotational spot as well. Potentially starring at being the 5th guard on the roster, Hickman would have to be willing to play the long game and settle for fewer minutes, while playing before being a future lead guard.

Kansas Jayhawks

The Jayhawks were interested in Hickman in the first go-around so why not try again? To replace the departing starting guard Marcus Garrett, Kansas did land Drake point guard Joseph Yesufu. But mid-major players transferring up can go either way, so landing another capable ball-handler in Hickman would be helpful in case Yesufu doesn’t work out.

The team also is in play for Washington but unlike Arizona’s roster, Kansas won’t be able to have these two play much together. There are also geographical issues and the still potential of a postseason ban due to alleged recruiting violations. We don’t know why Hickman chose Kentucky over Kansas a few months ago but unless the perception has changed, the Jayhawks may struggle to convince him again this time around.