GAME CENTRE
THE Newcastle Falcons are excited to announce the signing of American guard Aarion “Oni” Nichols for the 2024 NBL1 East season.
The 22-year-old, 173cm guard hails from Cleveland, Ohio, where she played for four years at Tiffin University (2018-2022), transferring to San Jose State University Spartans for the 2022-23 season.
She left Tiffin as that school’s fourth all-time leading scorer (1425 points) and rebounder (489 – the most by a guard), then averaged 7.3 points, shooting 37% from three-point range, 4.3 rebounds and 1.5 steals a game in 30 appearances for San Jose State in the Mountain West Conference (Division I).
Nichols said she jumped at the chance to begin her professional career in Australia with the Falcons.
“The strong culture and supportive environment are what brought me to Newcastle,” Nichols said.
“From all I’ve heard, Australia is a beautiful country with a welcoming, safe and friendly community.
“I wanted to start off my career at the right place and Newcastle seems like a great first step. My dream is to help bring a championship to the city of Newcastle.”
A defensive dynamo, comfortable in either back-court position, Nichols competed for time in the one spot behind two established point guards during her college career, but Newcastle coach Kristy Bultitude sees her as a natural floor leader for the Falcons in 2024.
Bultitude said she was impressed with what she saw of Nichols when scouting for a point guard and dogged defender to set the tone for the team at both ends of the court.
“Working with a number of contacts across the USA, I had the opportunity to view a number of game tapes for many players wanting to play in Australia. Coming across Aarion and seeing the way she played was inspiring,” Bultitude said.
“I’m thrilled to be adding a player like Aarion to our roster for this season. She is a competitor, she works hard at both ends, and she’s not afraid to get up the floor defensively and attack the boards.
“Taking the floor as our guard she will complement our roster’s ability to shoot inside and out and that is exciting.”
Nichols is due to arrive in Newcastle next month to join her new Falcons teammates.
Main photo credit: San Jose State University Spartans
Photo graphic: Sproule Sports Focus
