E-Mail
Print
A Canadian-native, the 6-foot-9 Nicholson played four seasons at St. Bonaventure and finished as the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year as a senior. He averaged 18.5 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game in his final college season.
He also fits the mold of the Magic's outside shooting big men, having shot 43 percent from the 3-point line last season as well.
Nicholson wasn't the only talent from an upstate New York school to reach the NBA.
Earlier Thursday evening, the Cleveland Cavaliers selected Syracuse guard Dion Waiters with the No. 4 overall pick in the NBA draft.
The Cavs envision Waiters as a perimeter scorer and backcourt running mate for point guard Kyrie Irving, last year's No. 1 overall pick who didn't disappoint this season and was named rookie of the year.
Waiters didn't start a single game last season for the Orange, averaging 12.6 points in 37 games. At 6-foot-4, 221 pounds, he's not afraid to drive to the basket and many feel he's got a pro-ready game.
Waiters' teammate, Fab Melo, was also selected by the Boston Celtics with the 22nd pick in the 1st round.