West Coast Convo’s All-WCC Second Team

Nov 18, 2013; East Lansing, MI, USA; Portland Pilots forward Ryan Nicholas (32) and Michigan State Spartans center Adreian Payne (5) battle for position during the second half at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Michigan State won 82-67. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Ryan Nicholas – Forward – Portland

It’s impossible to think about the Portland Pilots men’s basketball program over the past four years without Ryan Nicholas coming to mind. A one-star recruit out of Spokane Washington took his talents southwest to Portland and ended up cementing his name in Pilot lore not because of his overall stats – even though there good – but because of his overall basketball acumen, toughness and effort.

This season was no different for Nicholas, who unfortunately played his last year in Pilots uniform. From a statistical point of view, this was Nicholas’ best season at the University of Portland. He posted career bests in points per game with 12.2 and rebounds per game with 8.8. He also posted his best clip shooting from 3-point range and averaged only 1.7 turnovers.

While Nicholas’ career did not come to a fitting end (the Pilots fell in a play-in game in the West Coast Conference tournament to end their season), he should be proud of his accomplishments as a Pilot and the fanbase should be proud of Nicholas’ accomplishments as well.