montana

SoCal College Recruiting News

Montana State Signs A Big One Too--(May 7, 1998)

Rufus Nicholson, a standout JC forward at Porterville Community College, has signed a national letter-of-intent with Montana. The official announcement was made by MSU coach Mick Durham. Nicholson (6'-8" So. PF) weighs in at 235, was a two-year starter for Porterville, and this year helped Porterville to a 25-5 record and the state semifinals.

Nicholson is one of six players from Porterville to sign at a Division I school this year. He earned honorable mention All-Conference this season and last year was first team All-Conference. He averaged 10 points and six rebounds per game this season, and shot 59% from the field and 82% from the line.

The official press release from MSU contained the usual laudatory stuff:

"Rufus brings us experience at a big forward position where we're pretty young," Durham said. "He was a little overshadowed on his own team because he played with some very talented players, but we think he will really fit in well here. He's an unselfish player who has a nice shooting touch. He plays very hard, and he is the kind of player we look for at that position in that he can play on the perimeter or down low with his back to the basket. In the last three or four years, coach (George) Nessman has built Porterville into as solid a junior college program as there is in California. He's done a real nice job coaching his athletes and making them visible. I think Rufus will be able to step in and play an important role right away."

Nessman said Nicholson's most significant trait is his attitude. "What I appreciate so much about Rufus is that he is the consummate team player. He's not concerned with individual accomplishments, the most important thing for him is the success of the team. He's not selfish at all, he does a great job complementing the players around him. His presence really makes a team better."

Nicholson also brings considerable skill to the Bobcat program, Nessman says. "For his size, Ithink you'll really be surprised at his skill level. He handles the ball well, he can catch it and pass it, and he's really deft at scoring around the basket. He's a pretty polished player skill-wise."