SULTAN — When Jordan Nicholes chose his Sultan High School varsity basketball uniform, it was slim pickings.
He was the only freshman on the 2005-06 team. Juniors and seniors picked jerseys first, so by the time Nicholes’ turn came he had two options: No. 50 or No. 53 — both odd alternatives for a guard.
“Jordan said, ‘Well, I’m going to play big so I’ll take the biggest number you’ve got,’” Sultan boys basketball coach Nate Trichler recalled.
At first, the massive No. 53 jersey and matching shorts — meant for much larger players — fit Nicholes’ 5-foot-10, 130-pound frame about as well as Shaquille O’Neal’s uniform would fit Nate Robinson. Referees scolded Nicholes for letting his shorts hang low and not keeping his jersey tucked in. It wasn’t his fault, he pleaded.
Even pre-game drills were an adventure. “I was slipping in warmups because my (pant legs) were slipping below my shoes. They were so baggy,” said Nicholes.
His over-sized uniform became a running joke. Snickering fans wondered why he picked it. But eventually Nicholes grew into it, both physically and in terms of his impact, which was extra-large.
This past season the 6-2 guard averaged 21.3 points, 6.3 assists, 5.6 rebounds and 2.9 steals while leading the Turks to the state tournament for the first time since 1961. In addition to being named Cascade Conference MVP, Nicholes is The Herald’s 2008-09 All-Area Boys Basketball Player of the Year.
Going to the Class 2A state championships in Yakima was an amazing experience, Nicholes said: “I just feel special to be a part of it. When you’re a little kid you always look forward to going to state.”
Sultan started clicking in February and won eight of nine games before the state tournament. But in Yakima the team was eliminated with two consecutive losses. It was disappointing, Nicholes said, but he realized how exceptional the season was when he got home.
“Just seeing all the people here that were so proud of us — the signs on the buildings and the stores saying, ‘Congratulations Sultan’ — that’s something you’re proud of.”
Nicholes compiled stellar statistics. In addition to setting several single-season records, he finished as the program’s career leader in points (1,598), assists (404), steals (202), free-throw attempts (508) and made free throws (388), according to coach Trichler.
Nicholes walks with a swagger and exudes confidence. Even fresh out of middle school, he was that way, Trichler said.
“Everyone always knew he was something special,” Trichler said. “He walked on campus as a freshman like he owned the place. He was on a mission.”
Known for bringing a ball with him everywhere, Nicholes was inspired by his idol, former Seattle SuperSonic and current Milwaukee Buck Luke Ridnour. As a second-grader, Nicholes watched Ridnour play for Blaine High against Sultan. Motivated by Ridnour’s talent and dedication, Nicholes aimed for greatness.
In addition to getting a signed ball and a picture with Ridnour, Nicholes in middle school grew out his hair and styled it like his idol, earning Nicholes the nickname Goldilocks.
“He loves just playing basketball and his one goal on the court is to win,” Trichler said, “and everyone on the team never doubted that. It was really easy for everyone to see that.”
They saw it, Trichler said, when Nicholes dived for loose balls or fearlessly took a charge on defense, which he did 15 times this past season.
Another example of Nicholes’ desire to win: He scored 37 points in Sultan’s season opener, an 85-57 defeat against 4A Arlington. The next day during a team meeting, Trichler demanded more from the other Turks and asked Nicholes to shoot less. It worked. Sultan won its next game by 11 points, with Nicholes taking just six shots and scoring eight points while focusing on assists.
“My teammates became more confident in me and more confident in each other,” Nicholes said, “and we just kind of fed off it.”
Playing in college is a priority for Nicholes, who is talking to NAIA programs like Northwest University (Kirkland) and the University of Montana Western. Becoming a college or prep coach would be fun, he said. Maybe he will end up back at Sultan High.
“That’d definitely be something cool,” Nicholes said. “Come back to my alma mater and put some banners on the wall.”
Mike Cane: mcane@heraldnet.com. Check out the prep sports blog Double Team at www.heraldnet.com/doubleteam.
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