VITALS: 6-8, 216, Syracuse OVERVIEW: Finished four-year career at Syracuse third in 3-point field goals (205), fourth in 3-pointers attempted (573) and 10th in 3-point percentage (.358). Made at least one 3-pointer in each of his final 40 games. Named to the All-Big East first team as a senior, leading the conference in scoring (18.9 ppg). Scored a career-high 37 points, including seven 3-pointers, and grabbed 10 rebounds vs. St. John's. Made seven 3-pointers in win over Connecticut in the Big East Tournament. Ranked second on the team in scoring (13.3) and third in rebounding (5.8 rpg) as a junior. Scored a season-high 28 points against UConn. Averaged 13.0 points and 4.8 rebounds in the Orange's four-game run to the Big East Tournament title in 2006. LIKELY DRAFT POSITION: Early second-round pick. COMPARATIVE UPSIDE: Dennis Scott, Glen Rice COMPARATIVE DOWNSIDE: Jarvis Hayes ROLE PROJECTION: Catch-and-shoot 3-point specialist. POSITIVES: When left open, Nichols can shoot the NBA 3-point shot as if it were a layup. His shooting form, release and squaring of his shoulders are all textbook perfect. Nichols can get really hot and hit five or six bombs in a row and put a game out of reach. He has improved dramatically over four years at Syracuse and his work ethic is excellent, so expectations of further improvement are not out of line. SHORTCOMINGS: Nichols spent a lot of time at Syracuse standing upright playing zone defense. He'll find out quickly in the NBA that playing the small forward spot is all about being able to dodge the screens to stay with your man. Nichols' frame definitely begs the question of whether he will wilt in the physical NBA. He is not yet adept at faking his shot, putting it on the floor and going to the basket. This will need to improve if he is ever to be more than a situational shooter.
