Each and every time Phenom Hoop Report gets to report or sees a commitment from a player we have seen over the years, it is always a fantastic day. It is great to see players achieve their goal to play at the next level and it is such a great accomplishment for that player.
Here is the latest commitment.
Player: Nikolas Graves
Class: 2022
Committed to: Charlotte
What the Player Said:
Phenom: What made Charlotte the place for you in the end?
Graves: Charlotte made me feel extremely wanted. I had a great relationship with not only the coaching staff but also the players throughout the entire recruitment process. On my visit, they really made it clear that it was a place I could call home for the next four years.
Phenom: How did you let the staff know and what factors all went into your decision?
Graves: I called Coach Sanchez and let him know that I would like to commit. Some factors that went into it was like I said, I was really shown I was wanted. On my visit film of me was really broken down on what they liked about me but also what they were going to help me fix and improve upon when I got there.
Phenom: What are they hoping you can provide to the team and program as a player?
Graves: They want me to come in and continue to play my game that I always play. Get paint touches, make shots, set up the offense, be vocal. Just be a vocal leader and well-rounded point guard.
What Was Said by Phenom Hoops:
“2022 point guard Nikolas Graves is another one to really watch, as the athletic point guard plays with tremendous poise on the floor, whether it is getting everyone involved or creating opportunities for himself. Graves will be counted on as a leader as well for this group.” – Phenom Open Gym in 2021
“Graves is a High IQ point guard who controls the pace of the game to perfection. A well-sized, decisive guard impressed today with his ability to make plays for his teammates. Graves is very effective in getting inside the paint and finding others for open shots. Very capable shooter and showed he can score if needed, but naturally plays the game to win. As most point guards should, Graves has an exceptional ability to play at his own pace, which helps set the tone for the game. A young man that already has multiple college scholarships and should expect more to continue coming following his impressive play.” – Phenom in 2021
“Moving onto a player that simply knows how to properly run a team on both sides of the ball, Nikolas Graves. He’s a smart, polished point guard prospect that knows how to penetrate and consistently looks to get everyone involved. Graves is a solid perimeter shooter but doesn’t force the action and showcases excellent patience with the ball in his hands. He’s also a reliable defender and rebounder that makes quality decisions in transition. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would allow him to find cutting opportunities alongside another primary ball-handler. Coach Dawkins on Graves: “Nikolas is a traditional point guard that gets everyone involved on the offensive end of the floor. He’s a good midrange shooter that uses pump fakes and jab-steps very well. Nikolas is a good on-ball defender that guarded the ball full court. He’s a quality defender and smart overall player with a positive attitude and great team sense.” Graves was excellent throughout camp and will certainly be among Durham Academy’s most important pieces going forward.” – NC Phenom 150 Evaluation in 2019
“Often times, the steady, reliable floor general can be overlooked by the masses, but it’s arguably what should make Nik Graves such an enticing prospect for Division I coaches. As a point guard, he’s the epitome of poise, intelligence, and leadership by example, and it’s evident in his approach on both ends of the floor. Graves is among the few players across the state with the ability to actually play a mistake-free game. He’s never rushed or influenced by an opposing presence, which allows him to meticulously pick apart the defense and make consistently impressive reads with the ball in his hands. Graves is a capable scorer from all levels, and will take advantage of easy opportunities, but prioritizes not forcing the action as well as anyone. He also defends very well, works for rebounds, and forces turnovers at a quality rate. Graves is a brilliant passer with phenomenal vision, timing, and use/understanding of angles. He’s simply a winner. Boston University recently became his first offer, but one should expect a variety of programs to pursue Graves over the next twelve months.” – Phenom in 2021
