Gonzaga’s Nolan Hickman Assumes Senior Leadership Role: 2024-25 Player Preview

No one on the Gonzaga men’s basketball coaching staff seemed shocked by Nolan Hickman’s career-high numbers last season, though his willingness to accept being a leader for the team’s younger crop of talent was perhaps even more indicative of how far the Seattle native has been coming since arriving on campus four years ago.

“Nolan Hickman’s year-to-year growth has been tremendous,” Gonzaga assistant coach Brian Michaelson told Gonzaga Nation last spring. “Statistically these were incredible improvements, but the most important thing for me is that his growth as a leader was enormous. He was a great mentor to the two freshmen (Braden Huff and Dusty Stromer)…he was a voice we heard a lot more, but I especially know those freshmen who adapt to college basketball and help bring them along…that’s it. It’s very valuable to our program. ”

Huff and Stromer will eventually be the ones who pick up the torch from Gonzaga’s seniors and move the program forward, according to Michaelson. Hickman, one of six seniors on the team in 2024-25, played a major role in laying the foundation for the Bulldogs’ future.

“Nolan has been a huge help to me throughout the season,” Stromer said ahead of the 2024 West Coast Conference Tournament. “I think he’s a great veteran, especially, you know, being another guard and just sharing his experiences over the years. I think he did a great job of showing me the basics.”

Hickman’s calm demeanor has made it sometimes easy to overlook how productive and consistent he has been in 2023-24. The 6-foot-4 All-WCC guard averaged 14.0 points — a big jump from his sophomore year’s 7.7 points — while far leading the team in 3-pointers made with 78 (Ben Gregg was second with 40). Hickman also shot career-highs from the field (47.1%), from 3-point range (41.3%) and from the free throw line (88.3%).

Once adjusted to his off-the-ball role alongside Ryan Nembhard, Hickman played with confidence and even a bit of arrogance, as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders now that he could play more freely while his back-row partner set up. the table for the attack. . As the two went through an adjustment phase early on, their chemistry began to reflect how their respective games complemented each other. The Nembhard-Hickman duo was among the most efficient backcourts in the West Coast Conference last season, according to EvanMiya.com.

“It’s easier when you have a guy like you in the backcourt,” Nembhard said of Hickman to Gonzaga Nation in July. “Nolan and I have built a great relationship playing together. We can both handle… we can both make decisions, it just makes the game easier for both of us. He can come off ball screens and make plays for me; I can do the same for him. It’s great to play with a guy like that.”

Here’s a look at Hickman’s strengths, offseason work, NBA outlook and a prediction for what the 2024-25 season will look like for the senior guard.

FORCES: SHOOTING

Playing alongside Nembhard opened up opportunities for Hickman to create separation while moving without the ball in his hands, especially when he had the help of a hard screen from Graham Ike. According to hoop-math.com, 54 of Hickman’s career-high 78 3-pointers last season were assisted. Without the burden of being the primary distributor, Hickman thrived in his off-ball role while displaying the level of shooting and quickness that made him such a highly touted high school recruit out of Wasatch Academy (Utah).

That said, Hickman’s shot creation also took a step forward last season as he began to get more creative and comfortable with his dribble and step-back combos during WCC play.

OFF-SEASON WORK: PNR DECISION MAKING

Mark Few’s offense is at its best when it’s led by two top-notch point guards in the backcourt. Hickman had solid moments where he was able to dictate the flow of the game with his decision making last season. If he can be more consistent in that department, now with three years of play in the system, Hickman could unlock another part of his game that will take the Bulldogs to another level in 2024-25.

NBA OUTLOOK: POTENTIAL 2ND ROUND PICK

Best-case scenario: Hickman comes out of the gate strong, puts up big numbers against Gonzaga’s notable non-league opponents, gains more national attention and starts showing up in more mock drafts during conference games. The extra notoriety is followed by an invitation to the NBA Draft Combine, where Hickman showcases his good play in front of NBA scouts and general managers.

Worst case scenario: Hickman is inconsistent in non-conference games and the Zags don’t take advantage of every opportunity on the schedule. For some reason, he doesn’t get an invite to the NBA Draft Combine and has to hope to hear his name called on draft night.

PREDICTION: 2ND WCC TEAM, FINISHES TOP 25 IN ALL-TIME SCORE AT GONZAGA

When Hickman graduates Gonzaga this spring, there’s a chance he leaves as one of the top 25 all-time scorers in program history. Currently with 937 career points, Hickman could surpass Kyle Wiltjer (24th all-time) if he replicates his 2023-24 campaign (489 points in 35 games). From there, there is a 20-point difference to 21st all-time on the list; Hickman’s former teammate Anton Watson (1,447 career points).

Given his importance in the flow of the offense, it wouldn’t be a surprise for Hickman to surpass his junior season point total. Although the Zags added a top-notch shooter in Khalif Battle, there is no denying that the shared trust between the coaching staff and Hickman helped elevate his game throughout his college career. When Hickman clicks, so do the Zags.