The GCSU men’s basketball team improved greatly between this year and last year, and one of the reasons for this change is James Nichols III. Nichols, a junior marketing major who plays forward on the team, credits his family as the reason for his determination and drive on the court. 

“My family is a big part of my basketball journey, and I just want to make them as proud as possible every time I step on the court,” Nichols said. 

Nichols himself has also made monumental contributions to the team in his last few games. He scored 34 points against Clayton State University on January 23 and 21 points five days later against Middle Georgia State University. 

Nichols’ gameplay has left a positive mark on the rest of his team, that being his ability to work well with those around him. 

“He brings so much to the game, whether it’s inside the paint or outside. Running actions with him makes it really easy for me…” said Khalil Green, a sophomore exercise science major and guard on the team. 

Green plays with Nichols on the court and sees how he acts as a player, a student and a member of his community. Nichols stands as a motivator for his team, but his team also drives him to be better. 

“Knowing [my teammates] trust me and look at me as one of the leaders of the team pushes me to play harder and stay focused,” Nichols said.

Nichols derives motivation from both his team and his family, as well as from the crowd. Many fans of the GCSU basketball team look to him as a key figure of the team, and while that brings a lot of pressure, Nichols embraces it. 

“The pressure to succeed is a good thing because it drives the team…” Nichols said. “There is no better feeling than getting the crowd engaged while we are playing, and feeling the support of the crowd behind us.” 

Nichols’ numbers have stood out to fans. In his game against Clayton State University, he made 12 of his 13 shots, three of which from outside the three-point line. 

“[Nichols] is fun to be around, easy to talk to, and just an all-around good guy,” Green said. “When we’re around each other, it’s nothing but smiles and laughs…” 

Nichols played well against Clayton State University, but he is still looking to improve. He found flaws in his game even after his electric performance. 

Nichols is always looking to become better in every aspect of his life, both on the court and in his personal life. He aims to be better, even when he is doing something well. 

“It definitely felt somewhat of a flow-state, I still had things I could have been better on and making the game easier.” 

Nicols stands as a figure of motivation for all those around him and yet remains motivated by those very same people in his life. He is determined to grow as a person, even outside of basketball. 

“There is also an internal fire and motivation that I use as fuel to continue to push myself so that I can be the best version of myself on the court and help my team,” Nichols said.