A Winning Plan

Coach Nickelberry recently finished his second season at the helm of the Hampton University Pirates.  Over the past two seasons, the Pirates have enjoyed increased success.  During the 2006-07 season, Coach Nickelberry led the team to a 15-16 record.  This past 2007-08 season, Coach Nickelberry led the team to an overall record of 18-12 and a 2nd place finish in the MEAC, after adding nine new players to the roster since his arrival.  Over these past two seasons, the Pirates won 12 non-conference games, well ahead of the nine non-conference wins posted over the four years combined prior to Nickelberry’s arrival.  Among the non-conference wins were wins over Delaware, Saint Bonaventure, Tulsa, VCU, and William and Mary.

A key to winning is the ability to play defense.  Coach Nickelberry has excelled in this area.  At the end of the 2008 season, the Pirates finished in the Top 3 in the MEAC in all defensive statistical categories: #2 in scoring defense, #1 in field goal % defense, #3 in rebound margin, #2 in blocked shots per game, and #2 in steals per game.  Beyond the MEAC, the Pirates finished 2008 ranked in the Top 25 in the NCAA in Field Goal % Defense (39.7), and among the Top 50 in Points Allowed (62.2) and Steals (8.6 per game).

Recruiting talented players helps.  Coach Nickelberry knows recruiting.  At Hampton, Coach Nickleberry brought in two consecutive recruiting classes that have been ranked in the Top 60 nationally, the highest rated classes in black college history.  Prior to coming to Hampton, Coach Nickelberry made a name for himself recruiting at three different schools on three different levels.  At Holy Cross, Coach Nickelberry recruited two Patriot League “Rookie of the Year” winners (Tim Szatko and Patrick Whearty).  At Charlotte, Coach Nickelberry recruited the only player in Conference USA history to win “Player of the Year” and “Defensive Player of the Year” in the same season (Eddie Basten).  And, more recently, at Clemson, Coach Nickelberry recruited two consecutive Top 40 classes.

Coach Nickleberry emphasizes success both on the court and in the classroom.  After bringing an emphasis on academics and accountability to the forefront of the program, Coach Nickelberry raised the level of achievement to the highest GPAs in the past 15 years at Hampton.