Jamal Nixon
F, Fenwick, Sr.
College: Minnesota State-Mankato (Division II)
Star quality: The 6-foot-5 Nixon led to the Friars (30-5) during a season in which they won the most games in school history, went downstate for the first time since 1998 and reached the Class 3A state title game, where they lost to Morgan Park in overtime. A Plainfield resident, Nixon averaged 10.7 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. The versatile Nixon was a fine passer out of the post and was able to guard any position. A four-year varsity player and the winningest player in program history with 102 victories, Nixon’s 100th career victory was a sectional-championship triumph over North Lawndale on his 18th birthday. Nixon was named Player of the Year in the Chicago Catholic League North after helping Fenwick win the regular-season title. He then helped the Friars win the Chicago Catholic League tournament. Nixon was an Associated Press Class 3A All-state Second-team selection and named Third-team All-state in Class 3A/4A by the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association. “I started my career at Fenwick (four years ago) with Jamal, and there is not a better kid to have done that with,” Fenwick coach Rick Malnati said.
Fun fact: Nixon watches a lot of television series on Netflix, including “The Walking Dead,” “The Blacklist,” “Prison Break” and “Quantico.”
Favorite NBA player: LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers: “He’s a winner wherever he goes and does whatever it takes to win,” Nixon said via text. “He plays both sides of the court and can guard one through five and can lock down the best player on the other team. On offense, he’s a mismatch nightmare. I try to model my game after him and watch some of his leadership qualities.”
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Dan Shalin is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @Pioneer_Press